Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Saturday urged Nigerians to embrace healthy living through proper diet, regular exercise and routine medical check-ups, saying the lifestyle choices had 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 health management had sustained him over the 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.”

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

According to him, “D stands for diet — what kind of food do you eat? R is for rest — do you have time to rest? E is for exercise — you must exercise regularly. M is for medical — the need to go for check-ups and take necessary medication.

“S is for social — create time to interact with people. This was one of the reasons I established a Senior Citizens Club in OOPL, and the minimum age for joining is 70.

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

The elder statesman also commended for sustaining sponsorship of the annual tournament organised in his honour, noting that the event had 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, the Chief Executive Officer of First Bank, 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, focus and character-building associated with the game.

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

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

Also speaking, Vice Chairman of the Abeokuta Golf Club and Chairman of the tournament’s organising committee, Oladele Adeniran, said the competition was organised to honour Obasanjo’s enduring contributions to Nigeria and Africa.

Adeniran dismissed the notion that golf is an elitist sport, insisting that the game remains accessible to people from different 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 practise 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 further noted that golf offers flexibility and health benefits, adding that players could conveniently fit the game into their schedules.

“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 added.

Adeniran disclosed 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-ranked professional, who emerged winner of the professional event.

Former Nigerian number one professional golfer, Sunday Olapade, finished second alongside veteran golfer Nojim Shofela.

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

•Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank Group, Mr Olusegun Alebiosu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and other participants during the 2026 OBJ Golf Tournament held at Abeokuta Golf Club