At 89 I still exercise and manage diabetes with discipline – Obasanjo…

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Saturday urged Nigerians to embrace healthy living through proper diet, regular exercise and routine medical check-ups, saying lifestyle choices have helped him remain active at 89, despite battling diabetes for over four decades.

Obasanjo spoke in Abeokuta after performing the ceremonial tee-off at the 2026 FirstBank/OBJ golf tournament held at the Abeokuta Golf Club

The former president, who described exercise as essential at every stage of life, particularly in old age, said discipline and consistency in managing health have sustained him over the years.

“One thing you need to understand is that exercise is very important at any age, and even more important when you become a senior,” he said.

“I am officially 89 years old, but by the grace of God I keep myself fit and strong despite suffering from diabetes for over 40 years. Many people don’t take their health seriously enough.”

Obasanjo explained that he lives by what he called the “DREAMS + C” principle, which he said serves as a guide to a healthy and balanced life.

According to him, “D stands for diet – what kind of food do you eat? R stands for rest – do you have time to rest? E stands for exercise – you need to exercise regularly. M stands for doctor – the need to undergo check-ups and take necessary medications.

“S is for social – it creates time to interact with people. This was one of the reasons why I created a senior club in OOPL and the minimum age to join is 70.

“Finally, C stands for contentment. Whatever your station in life, be content. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be ambitious; you should have realistic ambition, but avoid excessive ambition.”

The elder statesman also commended himself for supporting the sponsorship of the annual tournament organized in his honor, noting that the event continued to promote unity, friendship and national cohesion.

“I am always excited every year to be part of this tournament because, beyond the game itself, it encourages exercise, interaction and national unity,” he added.

Speaking at the event, First Bank Chief Executive Officer, Olusegun Alebiosu, described the tournament as a platform that promotes discipline, integrity and excellence.

According to him, the competition celebrates not only achievements on the golf course, but also the values ​​of consistency, concentration and character building associated with the game.

He commended the participants for their sportsmanship and commended the organisers, officials, volunteers and sponsors for ensuring a smooth tournament.

“The professionalism displayed here has continued to raise the standard of golf tournaments in Nigeria,” Alebiosu said.

Also speaking, the Vice President of Abeokuta Golf Club and Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the tournament, Oladele Adeniran, said the competition was organized to honor Obasanjo’s lasting contributions to Nigeria and Africa.

Adeniran has rejected the idea that golf is an elitist sport, insisting that the game remains accessible to people of diverse backgrounds.

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“Yes, if you are financially comfortable, you can play. But there is also another path in golf, especially for younger people, to become a caddy. As a caddy, you have access to the course and you can learn and practice the game,” he said.

“Indeed, many professional golfers in Nigeria and around the world today started out as caddies. Some came from humble backgrounds, but through golf they became respected voices in society.”

He also noted that golf offers flexibility and health benefits, adding that players could conveniently fit the game into their schedules.

“Some people start at 6am, finish nine holes by 8am, get dressed and go to work. Others arrive after work around 5pm. Besides being fun, golf also helps people stay active. A round of golf can easily help you achieve more than 10,000 steps in a day,” he added.

Adeniran revealed that the professional category of the tournament featured some of Nigeria’s leading golfers, including Francis Ekpeyong, Nigeria’s number one golfer and West Africa’s top professional, who emerged winner of the professional event.

Nigeria’s former number one professional golfer, Sunday Olapade, came second alongside veteran golfer Nojim Shofela.

He added that around 176 amateur golfers participated in the tournament, describing the turnout and atmosphere as impressive. (Saturday Vanguard)

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