Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Thursday led a 15-minute walk from his residence inside the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, to the surrounding neighbourhood and back, to emphasise the importance of physical exercise in combating diabetes.

The walk was organised to commemorate this year’s World Diabetes Day, celebrated globally on November 14.

The almost 90-year-old former president, who has been managing diabetes for nearly 40 years, was joined by medical personnel, security operatives from the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Road Safety Corps, as well as members of the National Youth Service Corps.

Obasanjo, however, did not speak to journalists after the walk, as he immediately entered his car and left the venue.

Speaking after the exercise, the Executive Director of the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation, Dr Olalekan Makinde, said the former president’s participation sent a strong message about the need for Nigerians to embrace healthy living, especially regular exercise.

Makinde said, “Just like the almost 90-year-old former President Olusegun Obasanjo has just shown us with his 15-minute brisk walk covering over three kilometres, what we are saying to Nigerians is that they must walk and engage in physical exercise to stay fit.

“Diabetes is one of the most challenging diseases caused by sedentary and unhealthy lifestyles. Many people spend long hours sitting in offices with air conditioners or driving around without exercising. We must change this by avoiding junk food and embracing daily physical activity.

“Nigeria has one of the lowest life expectancies in the world, and beyond poverty, our unhealthy lifestyles are a major cause. Baba Obasanjo, even at nearly 90, is showing us that we must live right.”

He added that before Thursday’s walk, the former president had already completed another session lasting between 30 minutes and one hour and was still eager for more exercise.

Similarly, Dr. Adedeji Otukoya, an endocrinologist at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, who also participated in the walk, urged Nigerians to modify their lifestyles and occasionally leave their cars to walk short distances.

Otukoya said, “We are seeing a surge in diabetes cases due largely to unhealthy living. Nigerians must prioritise walking and other forms of exercise to keep their muscles active and maintain proper body function.”

The Medical Officer in charge of the Medical Directorate, Ogun State Police Command, Dr Ihegboro Minachiso, also stressed the importance of physical activity in achieving healthy living.

Minachiso, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, said, “Many of us pray to live long, yet we neglect the small things that keep us healthy — like this short walk we just completed. You can see everyone sweating. We must all emulate former President Obasanjo and make brisk walking part of our routine. Medication helps, but lifestyle modification is the best remedy for many of our health challenges.”

Obasanjo, according to media reports, revealed in 2021 that he had been managing diabetes for over 35 years. He expressed gratitude for his health and lamented that many of his friends had died of the disease because they failed to manage it properly.

Speaking at the Ogun State Diabetes Youth Development Camp held in Abeokuta that year, Obasanjo advised young patients to adhere strictly to medical advice and prescriptions.

He disclosed that he always carried his medication and testing kits to monitor his blood sugar level, noting that despite being diabetic, he remained active and continued to engage in regular physical activities. (The PUNCH)

• PHOTO: Former President Olusegun Obasanjo during the walk held to commemorate this year World Diabetes Day. Credit: Taiwo Bankole