Former Nigerian President and Head of State, Olusegun Obasanjo, has spoken openly about living with a health condition for more than four decades.
He revealed that he has been managing diabetes through an active lifestyle, disciplined eating habits, regular exercise, and sufficient rest. The elder statesman also disclosed that he strictly adheres to his medical routine and prescribed medications.
He made the disclosure while speaking at the launch of the “Lagos to the World” expedition on Sunday, May 31, 2026.
He said:
“I have a disease that is not curable yet, and that’s diabetes. “I have been diagnosed diabetic more than 40 years ago. I still manage it.”
How he has managed diabetes over the years
Obasanjo explained that consistent physical activity has been central to his routine.
“But what do I do? I play squash three times a week — Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, if I’m around. I watch what I eat.”
He also stressed the importance of diet in maintaining good health:
“Diet can be exciting, can be pleasurable. But if you eat badly, then the consequence can also be bad for you. And then rest.”
He further introduced his personal health framework, which he refers to as “DREMS”:
“So diet, rest, and exercise are very, very important. And then there’s what I call DREMS. D — Diet, R — Rest, E — Exercise, and M — Medical,”
The former president urged Nigerians to prioritize routine medical checkups, stressing the importance of early detection and regular screening in preventing complications.
He added that maintaining good health is just as important as proper nutrition and physical activity, noting that consistency in lifestyle choices plays a key role in long-term wellbeing.
