Former President Olusegun Obasanjo leads a 15-minute walk in Abeokuta to mark World Diabetes Day, urging Nigerians to embrace regular exercise

Obasanjo World Diabetes Day Walk Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Thursday led a 15-minute fitness walk from his residence inside the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, to nearby streets and back, to highlight the importance of physical exercise in managing diabetes.

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The walk was organised as part of activities marking World Diabetes Day, celebrated annually on November 14 to raise awareness about the disease and promote healthy living.

The almost 90-year-old Obasanjo, who has lived with diabetes for nearly four decades, was joined by medical practitioners, youth corps members, and security officers from the Nigeria Police Force and Federal Road Safety Corps.

Although the former president did not address journalists after the exercise, his participation drew widespread admiration for his enduring energy and commitment to promoting public health.

Speaking after the event, Dr Olalekan Makinde, Executive Director of the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation, said the former president’s participation served as an inspiration to Nigerians.

Makinde said, “Just like the almost 90-year-old former President Olusegun Obasanjo has just shown us with his 15-minute brisk walk covering over three kilometres, what we are saying to Nigerians is that they must walk and engage in physical exercise to stay fit.”

He warned against the growing trend of sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits, noting that these were major contributors to rising diabetes cases and low life expectancy in Nigeria.

“Nigeria has one of the lowest life expectancies in the world, and beyond poverty, our unhealthy lifestyles are a major cause. Baba Obasanjo, even at nearly 90, is showing us that we must live right,” he added.

Makinde revealed that Obasanjo had already completed a separate 30–60-minute walk earlier in the day before participating in the public exercise.

Also speaking, Dr Adedeji Otukoya, an endocrinologist at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, urged Nigerians to modify their lifestyles and incorporate walking into their daily routines.

Otukoya said, “We are seeing a surge in diabetes cases due largely to unhealthy living. Nigerians must prioritise walking and other forms of exercise to keep their muscles active and maintain proper body function.”

Dr Ihegboro Minachiso, Medical Officer in charge of the Ogun State Police Command and an Assistant Commissioner of Police, echoed similar sentiments, noting that physical activity remained one of the simplest paths to long life.

“Many of us pray to live long, yet we neglect the small things that keep us healthy — like this short walk we just completed.

We must all emulate former President Obasanjo and make brisk walking part of our routine,” Minachiso said.

Obasanjo, who disclosed in 2021 that he had been managing diabetes for over 35 years, has long advocated lifestyle discipline, regular check-ups, and adherence to medical advice.

Also read: 1.8bn adults risk heart attacks, diabetes for not exercising – Study

At the Ogun State Diabetes Youth Development Camp in Abeokuta that year, he revealed that he always carried his medication and testing kits, maintaining an active lifestyle despite his condition.

Source: Read more at brandcom.ng