Obasanjo Leads Diabetes Awareness Walk as Experts Advise Nigerians on Healthy Living

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo on Thursday led a 15-minute fitness walk within the premises of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, to commemorate this year’s World Diabetes Day.

The walk, which covered a distance of over three metres, aimed to raise awareness about the importance of physical activity in preventing and managing diabetes.

According to NIGERIA NEWS 247, Obasanjo—who has lived with diabetes for more than 30 years—was accompanied by medical personnel, security operatives from the Nigeria Police Force and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), as well as members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

The Executive Director of the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation, Dr. Olalekan Makinde, explained that the former president used the walk to promote a healthy lifestyle among Nigerians, stressing that regular exercise is essential to prevent diabetes and other lifestyle-related diseases.

Makinde noted that Nigeria ranks among countries with the lowest life expectancy, attributing the trend to poverty and unhealthy living habits.

“Just like the almost 90-year-old former President Obasanjo has shown us with his 15-minute brisk walk covering over three metres, we are encouraging Nigerians to engage in physical exercise to stay fit,” he said.

“Diabetes is one of the most impactful diseases resulting from sedentary and unhealthy lifestyles. People spend long hours sitting in air-conditioned offices or vehicles, but we must change this pattern. Exercise regularly and avoid junk foods. That is the message Baba Obasanjo is sending to all Nigerians.”

Similarly, Dr. Adedeji Otukoya, an endocrinologist at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, urged Nigerians to adopt active lifestyles and reduce overdependence on vehicles. He emphasized that physical activity helps strengthen the muscles and reduce the risk of diabetes, which is rising rapidly across the country.

Also speaking, Dr. Ihegboro Minachiso, Medical Officer in charge of the Ogun State Police Command’s Medical Directorate, stressed the need for consistent exercise to maintain good health.

“Many of us pray to live long, but we fail to do what is necessary to keep our bodies healthy—simple activities like the short dash we just completed can make a big difference,” he said.