Obasanjo managed diabetes for over 40 years through discipline, exercise and regular health checks, urging Nigerians to embrace early screening

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed that he has successfully lived with diabetes for more than 40 years, using his personal health journey to encourage Nigerians to adopt healthier lifestyles and prioritise regular medical screenings.

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Obasanjo made the disclosure in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during a cancer awareness programme organised by the Lagos to the World Initiative at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library.

The event, which focused on cancer prevention, early diagnosis and improved healthcare awareness, was established in memory of a mother and daughter who both died from cancer.

Commending the organisers, Obasanjo praised their decision to transform a personal tragedy into a public health campaign aimed at saving lives through education and awareness.

“You lost your mother through cancer and your sister through the same ailment. Many people would have said there was nothing they could do, but you thought of a unique and innovative way of doing something about it,” Obasanjo said.

Sharing details of his own health experience, the former president disclosed that he was diagnosed with diabetes more than four decades ago but has remained active through careful management of the condition.

“I was diagnosed with diabetes more than 40 years ago, and I still manage it,” Obasanjo said.

The elder statesman attributed his longevity and continued wellbeing to regular exercise, disciplined nutrition, adequate rest and routine medical examinations.

As a notable example of his commitment to fitness, Obasanjo revealed that he still plays squash several times each week whenever his schedule permits and remains attentive to his dietary habits.

Obasanjo expressed concern over what he described as a widespread culture of neglecting preventive healthcare, warning that many Nigerians only seek medical attention after illnesses have become severe.

According to him, early detection remains one of the most powerful tools in reducing deaths and complications associated with chronic diseases, including cancer and diabetes.

The event also featured the unveiling of an ambitious global awareness campaign by Nigerian adventurer and founder of the Lagos to the World Initiative, U. Erik Nwagwu.

Nwagwu announced plans to embark on a multi-continental road expedition aimed at promoting prostate cancer awareness while fostering African unity and projecting a positive image of Nigeria.

The journey, dedicated to the memory of his late mother and sister, is expected to begin across West Africa before extending to Europe, Asia, North America, South America and Australia.

Nwagwu said the campaign seeks to draw attention to prostate cancer, which remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among men, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.

“Prostate cancer, especially among black men and in Sub-Saharan Africa, is the leading cause of cancer deaths among males. Many people do not go for testing, which is why awareness is very important,” Nwagwu said.

He urged men aged 40 and above to undergo annual Prostate-Specific Antigen screenings, stressing that early diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes.

The initiative is being supported by AXA Mansard, BMW Club Nigeria and Zuri Health, which are providing free health screenings including prostate cancer tests, blood pressure checks, blood sugar monitoring and body mass index assessments.

Beyond its health objectives, the campaign aims to challenge negative perceptions about Nigeria by highlighting stories of resilience, innovation and achievement among Nigerians both at home and abroad.

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Obasanjo’s remarks underscored the central message of the event: that preventive healthcare, healthy living and timely medical intervention can play a transformative role in improving health outcomes and extending lives.