Obasanjo Leads Symbolic Walk in Abeokuta to Mark World Diabetes Day, Advocates Exercise for Healthy Living
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Thursday led a 15-minute symbolic walk to promote physical activity and healthy living as part of events marking World Diabetes Day 2025, commemorated on November 14.
The brisk walk took place within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta and drew participation from medical professionals, security personnel from the Nigeria Police and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), as well as members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Obasanjo, who is nearing 90 and has lived with diabetes for more than three decades, continues to champion exercise as a vital component of wellness and longevity.
“Physical exercise is essential to healthy living” — Obasanjo Foundation
Though the former president did not speak to journalists, the Executive Director of the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation (OOF), Dr. Olalekan Makinde, said the walk captured Obasanjo’s long-standing message about adopting healthy lifestyle habits.
“What Baba Obasanjo demonstrated today is that physical exercise is essential to healthy living,” Makinde said.
“Diabetes is one of the most challenging diseases linked to sedentary lifestyles and poor diet. Many Nigerians spend long hours sitting and consuming unhealthy meals. The former president is reminding us that embracing physical activity is key to living longer, healthier lives.”
Makinde added that despite his age, Obasanjo often engages in longer walks and continues to advocate for wellness across Nigeria.
Doctors Urge Nigerians to Embrace Lifestyle Changes
“Regular walking is a powerful preventive measure” — Endocrinologist
An endocrinologist at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Dr. Adedeji Otukoya, who joined the walk, emphasized the importance of daily movement in preventing diabetes and its complications.
He noted that lifestyle modification not just medication remains the most reliable method of reducing diabetes risk.
“Long life requires healthy habits” — ACP Minachiso
Also speaking during the event, Dr. Ihegboro Minachiso, Medical Officer in charge of the Medical Directorate of the Ogun State Police Command and an Assistant Commissioner of Police, highlighted the strong link between regular exercise and longevity.
“We all pray for long life, yet many neglect the simple habits that sustain good health,” he said.
“This walk with Baba Obasanjo shows how small actions can make a big difference. Medication is important, but lifestyle modification remains the best preventive tool against many health challenges.”
Why World Diabetes Day Matters
World Diabetes Day is observed globally to raise awareness about:
Early detection
Healthy diet
Physical activity
Managing blood sugar levels
Reducing lifestyle-related complications
In Nigeria, health experts continue to warn that diabetes cases are rising due to poor diet, reduced activity, and increasing stress levels.
Obasanjo’s participation in this year’s observance serves as a reminder that simple daily habits, including regular walking, can significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
