Former President, 89, Manages Diabetes for 40 Years

At 89 years old, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo still plays golf, stays active, and manages a condition that has challenged him for 40 years. His secret isn't complicated medicine or expensive treatments but something anyone can adopt: consistent healthy habits.

Speaking at a golf tournament in Abeokuta last Saturday, Obasanjo revealed he's been diabetic for over four decades but refuses to let the condition slow him down. The former president performed the ceremonial tee-off before sharing his wellness philosophy with participants and spectators.

"Exercise is very important at every age, and even more important when you become a senior citizen," Obasanjo said. "Many people do not take their health seriously enough."

He credits his vitality to what he calls the "DREAMS + C" principle. Diet means choosing the right foods. Rest involves making time to recharge. Exercise requires regular physical activity. Medical covers routine checkups and taking necessary medication. Social emphasizes connecting with others, which led him to establish a Senior Citizens Club with a minimum age of 70.

The final letter, C, stands for contentment. "Whatever position you are in life, be content," he explained. "That doesn't mean you shouldn't be ambitious; you should have realistic ambition, but avoid over-ambition."

Obasanjo's approach proves that managing chronic conditions doesn't require perfection. It requires consistency and discipline over time, something he's demonstrated through four decades of living with diabetes.

Why This Inspires

Diabetes affects millions worldwide, and many feel overwhelmed by the lifestyle changes required to manage it. Obasanjo's story shows that not only can people thrive with the condition, but they can remain active and engaged well into their senior years with the right approach.

His DREAMS + C formula breaks wellness down into manageable pieces. No single element is complicated or expensive. Together, they create a lifestyle that sustains health and happiness across decades.

At the tournament, golfer Oladele Adeniran noted that some players arrive at 6 a.m., finish nine holes by 8 a.m., and head to work having already walked over 10,000 steps. The accessibility of such activities proves that staying healthy doesn't require extreme measures or major life disruptions.

Obasanjo's message reaches beyond diabetes management. Whether someone is 29 or 89, dealing with a chronic condition or simply wanting to stay healthy, the principles remain the same: eat well, move regularly, rest adequately, see your doctor, connect with others, and find contentment where you are.

The 2026 FirstBank/OBJ Golf Tournament drew 176 amateur players alongside Nigeria's top professionals, creating a space where health, community, and sport intersected. For Obasanjo, events like these embody his belief that exercise and social connection go hand in hand.

Four decades of managing diabetes hasn't stopped this former president from living fully, and his example is encouraging others to do the same.