At 89, Obasanjo Still Exercises and Manages Diabetes with Discipline

Yesterday, former President Olusegun Obasanjo urged Nigerians to adopt healthy habits—including balanced eating, regular exercise, and routine medical check‑ups—explaining that these choices have kept him active at 89, even after more than forty years of living with diabetes.

He delivered the remarks in Abeokuta following his ceremonial tee‑off at the 2026 FirstBank/OBJ Golf Tournament hosted by the Abeokuta Golf Club.

The former president, who stressed that exercise is vital at every age—especially for seniors—added that disciplined and consistent health management has sustained him for decades.

“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 even though I have been diabetic for over 40 years. Many people do not take their health seriously enough.”

Obasanjo said he follows a “DREAMS + C” principle that guides his pursuit of a healthy, balanced life.

According to him, D stands for diet—what you eat; R for rest—ensuring adequate rest; E for exercise—regular physical activity; M for medical—regular check‑ups and medication; S for social—time for interaction, which inspired him to establish a Senior Citizens Club in OOPL with a minimum membership age of 70; and C for contentment—being satisfied with one’s position while maintaining realistic ambition without over‑ambition.

“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.

Oladele Adeniran, Vice Chairman of the Abeokuta Golf Club and chair of the tournament’s organising committee, said the event was created to honour Obasanjo’s lasting contributions to Nigeria and Africa.

Adeniran rejected the idea that golf is an elitist sport, asserting that it remains accessible to people from diverse backgrounds.

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

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

He added that golf provides flexibility and health benefits, and that players can easily incorporate the game into their daily routines.

“Some people start at 6 a.m., finish nine holes by 8 a.m., dress up, and head to work. Others come in after work around 5 p.m. Apart from being enjoyable, golf also helps people stay active. A round of golf can easily help you achieve over 10,000 steps in a day,” he said.

Adeniran revealed that the professional division of the tournament included Nigeria’s top golfers, such as Francis Ekpeyong—Nigeria’s number one golfer and West Africa’s highest‑ranked professional—who won the professional event.

Former Nigerian number‑one professional Sunday Olapade finished second, joined by veteran golfer Nojim Shofela.