Obasanjo reveals how diet, exercise help him manage 40-year diabetes battle at 89

Olusegun Obasanjo has disclosed that disciplined lifestyle choices, including proper diet, regular exercise and routine medical checkups, have helped him successfully manage diabetes for over four decades.

The former president spoke on Saturday in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, where he emphasized the importance of preventive healthcare, especially among older adults.

Obasanjo, who noted that he is 89 years old, said maintaining physical fitness has been central to his well being despite living with diabetes for more than 40 years.

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

“I’m officially 89 years old, but by the grace of God, I have been keeping fit and strong despite the fact that I have been diabetic for over 40 years. Many people do not take their health seriously enough.”

The former president stressed that consistent exercise, moderated eating habits and routine health monitoring are key to managing chronic conditions and sustaining long-term wellbeing.

He noted that many health challenges among elderly people can be reduced or managed more effectively when individuals adopt preventive lifestyle habits early and maintain them consistently over time.

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Obasanjo’s remarks add to ongoing public health advocacy in Nigeria encouraging citizens to prioritise regular medical checkups, physical activity and balanced diets as part of efforts to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.

Health experts have repeatedly warned that lifestyle-related illnesses are on the rise in the country, largely due to sedentary habits, poor diet choices and limited routine health screening.

His comments are expected to further amplify conversations around healthy ageing and personal responsibility in disease management.