The former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has opened up on how he has coped with diabetes for 40 years, successfully, even though the disease has no cure.

Over the years, Obasanjo’s lifestyle discipline, healthy diet, regular exercise, adequate rest, routine medical checkups and strict adherence to prescribed medication have helped him manage the condition.

Obasanjo’s disclosure was reported on Sunday during the launch of the “Lagos to the World” expedition, a global road journey to promote cancer awareness, early detection and African integration.

The event took place at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The former president highlighted the importance of living healthy and getting medical help early, commending the initiative conceived by BMW enthusiast and entrepreneur, Erik Nwagwu, in honour of his late mother and sister who died of cancer.

He lauded Nwagwu for transforming a personal tragedy into a campaign that might help a lot of people.

Sharing his own health journey, Obasanjo said, “I have a disease that is not yet curable, and that’s diabetes. I was diagnosed with diabetes over 40 years ago. “I still do it.”

The ex-president said that he has been able to stay physically active at his age only because he maintains a strict lifestyle routine.

“But what shall I do? I play squash three times a week when I am around, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I eat what I watch.

“Diet can be fun, can be enjoyable. But if you eat badly then the consequences can also be bad for you. And then rest,” he said.

“Adequate rest is just as important as proper nutrition and exercise,” he emphasizes, adding that his methodology of healthy living is summed up in what he calls “DREMS”.

So diet and rest and exercise are very, very important. And then there’s what I call DREMS. D stands for Diet, R for Rest, E for Exercise and M for Medical,” Obasanjo added.

He stressed the importance of early detection and regular medical checks, urging Nigerians to take their regular health screening seriously.

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said that any government that doesn’t protect people and property has no reason to be in power. This is a clear sign of Nigeria’s worsening insecurity and the problems the country is having with its leaders.

Obasanjo said that Nigeria’s problems are getting worse because of bad leadership. He also said that the country has lost its power in international affairs and ruined important relationships in the region, especially within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Obasanjo also said in an interview on News Central’s Soni Irabor Live (SIL) over the weekend that Nigeria was no longer “at the table” of global decision-making. He said that the country’s inability to shape events outside of its borders shows a lack of leadership in general.

The outspoken former leader of Africa’s most populous country said that Nigerians should not accept kidnapping and other social ills as normal, pointing out how easy it used to be for people to travel across the country.

He gave the federal government a harsh review, saying that any government that doesn’t protect life and property has lost its right to exist.

Obasanjo said that Nigeria’s security problems got worse after the civil war because there wasn’t enough control over the spread of weapons. He said that bad government and lack of attention had made the problem worse since then.

He also said that both outside and inside factors were to blame for the crisis. For example, armed mercenaries came back to Libya after the fall of former leader Muammar Gaddafi, and armed groups were used for political purposes.

Obasanjo said that the rising number of children who are not in school, which is thought to be around 20 million, is a long-term security risk because it is a ready pool for future recruitment into extremist groups.

The former president said, “The other day, someone came to me and said that they were looking into the causes of insecurity at NIPSS (National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies). And I asked, “What is this about?” He said that the government told them to do this.

“I asked, “Will this government have the guts to do whatever you ask?” He said he didn’t know. And I said, “Listen, I came back to this country in 1959 after my first military training in the UK.” You could go anywhere in the North. Anyplace. And what you’ll get is people being nice there.

“And someone told me the other day that we’ve taken it (kidnapping) for granted.” It’s not news anymore. So when you hear that someone in your family has been taken, you all get together. They might let him go for N2,000. Should we accept that as the way things are? Not a chance.”

Obasanjo said, “The first duty of any government, no matter how it gets there, is to protect life and property.” If a government can’t protect its citizens’ lives and property, it doesn’t have the right to exist.

The former president was not hopeful about Nigeria’s future. When asked about the country’s future under the current leadership, he said, “I see nothing.” He said that the decline of democratic values, such as what he called the replacement of a “selectorate” for a real electorate, had made accountability and governance weaker.

Obasanjo specifically criticized how the Tinubu administration dealt with relations with Niger Republic after the recent coup there. He said the response was poorly thought out and hurt decades of regional cooperation that had been carefully built up over 50 years.

He said that Nigeria’s actions, like closing the border, cutting off electricity, and putting financial limits on the other country, hurt the long-standing historical, economic, and cultural ties between the two countries.

Obasanjo said that Nigeria and Niger had deep ties, including strong family ties across the border. He also said that working together was once very important for Nigeria’s strategic and military interests.

He said that Nigeria’s choices during the recent crisis in Niger showed that the highest levels of government don’t understand what’s going on. He said that Nigeria needs better leadership to get back on track. He said that Nigeria didn’t have to spend much money to keep its power, but it did need to be clear-headed and strategic, which he thought it wasn’t right now.

After the coup in Niger Republic, Tinubu, who was the chairman of ECOWAS, was thought to have taken a hard line, calling for sanctions, closing borders, and even threatening military action to restore constitutional order.

Critics, including Obasanjo, said that the situation was poorly handled and hurt long-standing ties with Niger, making the region less cohesive instead of strengthening ECOWAS’s authority.

Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso eventually left the group.

Obasanjo said, “Nigeria is not at the table of international politics today.” What is going on that Nigeria is having an effect on or affecting, and who is Nigeria affecting?

“Look at how we’ve dealt with ECOWAS. We worked for 50 years to make this. We messed it up overnight. And we have almost ruined it.

“It’s being a leader. There was a coup in Niger Republic. Our neighbor. At least 30% of the people in Niger Republic are related by blood to people in Nigeria.

“We were working on the Kanji Dam. Kanji would have been silly. So we told Niger Republic, “When the Kanji Dam is working, we’ll give you whatever you want for electricity.” We had to do that.

“It would have been hard for us to win the civil war without the Niger Republic. We used to get supplies from the Niger Republic to send to our troops on the front lines. Now, because of all this, they had to leave. We closed the border right away. Then we turned off their power. The next thing we did was to say, “No money.” With our borders that let things through!

Obasanjo said, “So, now you see what I meant when I said mishandling.” Being at the table doesn’t cost Nigeria much. But it needs to be understood. But, to be honest, I’m in pain. “Because I know what Nigeria could do.”

Obasanjo also said that the National Council of State (NCS), which is made up of former presidents who give advice, was not important. He said that going to its meetings was a waste of time. He said that the body was only there to give advice and that its suggestions were often ignored, which made it useless as a way to have real conversations or change policy.

The former president said again what he has always said about the economy and the oil industry: that government-owned refineries run by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) would not work well. He said that their ongoing poor performance was due to structural inefficiencies, bad maintenance, corruption, and not having enough scale.

He said that while he was in office, there were efforts to get private companies involved in running the refinery. For example, he talked to international oil companies like Shell, but they didn’t want to get involved because they were worried about making money and running the business smoothly. He also talked about a time when billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote tried to buy shares in the refineries, but his successor stopped that from happening.

Obasanjo said that the government had spent billions of dollars, up to $16 billion, on the refineries, but had little to show for it. He compared this to the success of privately run projects like the Nigeria LNG project, which he used as proof that public-private partnerships were better.

“Look at what we’re doing now, even with the NNPC.” NNPC owns refineries. And I told people that it would never work, he said.

The former president warned against the rise of a one-party state in Nigeria’s political system, saying it would hurt the country’s growth and democracy. He agreed with the president that he didn’t want a one-party state, but he still said that this kind of government would not be good for Nigeria.

Obasanjo said, “He (Tinubu) said he doesn’t want Nigeria to be a one-party state.” He said that. And, as I said, this time I will believe what he says. It will be a shame. Because it won’t even do what it was made to do.”

Obasanjo said he strongly believed that Nigeria could still get better, even though people were criticizing him. He said this was because of the country’s potential and the strength of its people.

But he stressed that real progress would only happen if there was a big change in the quality of leadership and the way the government works.

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Shan George, a seasoned Nollywood actress, has considered President Bola Tinubu’s past.

She expressed her opinion that Tinubu was more successful as Lagos State’s governor in an Instagram post.

The thespian advised the president not to seek a second term or resign, lamenting that she can no longer sense his wisdom and high steps as they were back then.

“When Tinubu was governor of Lagos State, he did with Lagos what Otti is doing in Abia State,” she remarked. OBJ was president at the time and had some political disagreements with Tinubu, but Tinubu persisted and led Lagos State with a great deal of grace and flair, developing MM2, dualizing Allen Avenue, and many other roads within Lagos, making the metropolis even better than he had found it. Among many other wonderful deeds, he established LASTMA and cleansed the streets of local lads without much assistance from the federal government. Living in Lagos at the time was enjoyable. Tinubu was adored by Lagosians.

Therefore, I think that was the standard by which he was evaluated in terms of the kind of ability required for the position of President.

However, the President we are currently witnessing makes me question, “Where is the Tinubu we once knew?” The Tinubu who, from the time I was still in diapers, stood up, rebelled, and triumphed against numerous previous instances of poor governance? The Tinubu who turned Lagos into a paradise and decisively defeated OBJ? What happened to the real City Boy?

“In my opinion, AGE occurred, which is a natural call and shouldn’t be condemned. His lifelong ambition has always been to become President of Nigeria, which is why the EMILOKAN surge is understandable; he succeeded, and that’s fantastic. It is honorable to leave the stage when there is still some applause, whether it is loud or not, therefore even he should do so now without being asked.

“But his friends won’t tell him now because their profits won’t allow them, until they force him to work himself to Kpai because being the President of Nigeria, THE GIANT OF AFRICA, is not moimoi. Baba should just step down right now.”

“I am Shan George, an African filmmaker who has won international awards. And I’m a proud Nigerian. I’m just a good citizen who politely holds her opinion; I don’t support Tinubu or any other presidential contender. I’m not a card carrier for any political party.

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo received birthday congratulations and well wishes from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which described him as a strong supporter of democracy.

In a statement praising Obasanjo’s contributions to Nigeria, PDP National Chairman Kabiru Turaki, SAN, called the former president a remarkable leader and a statesman of historic significance who made sure Nigerian democracy endured.

The party recalled Obasanjo’s crucial contribution to stabilizing the republic and solidifying democracy at a significant juncture in Nigerian history.

Obasanjo created a model for democratic transition, according to PDP, which described him as the first Military Head of State to peacefully surrender power to a democratically elected administration.

Obasanjo was the first President of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, according to the PDP, which also commemorated his term and noted his contributions to the nation’s advancement.

The party praised Obasanjo’s dedication to democracy and his initiatives to fortify Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

on recognition of Obasanjo’s lasting influence on Nigerian politics, the PDP wished him a happy birthday and healthy health.

The statement acknowledged Obasanjo’s influence on Nigeria’s democratic path and expressed the PDP’s gratitude for his service to the country.

“We celebrate a great believer in democracy and a statesman of historic significance—the first Military Head of State to voluntarily hand over power to a democratically elected administration,” the statement says.

“As our party’s first presidential candidate and the first President of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, you were instrumental in establishing our republic and solidifying democracy at a vital point in our country’s history.

The message added, “On this special occasion, we celebrate your service to the nation and wish you continued good health and a very happy birthday.”

As he celebrates his 89th birthday, Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has called former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo an everlasting study in leadership, public service, and national duty for younger generations.

The statement was delivered by Governor Abiodun on Thursday at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta during the 89th birthday lecture honoring the elder statesman, which had as its theme “The Global Africa Enlightenment: From Chains to Renaissance.”

The governor claims that strong institutions and leaders who are prepared to see beyond short-term gains are essential to the success of the country.

He pointed out that the lecture’s theme captures Africa’s historical path, from colonial dominance to the continent’s continuous quest for advancement, growth, and dignity.

Abiodun emphasized that establishing societies that support justice, innovation, and unity, investing in knowledge, and fortifying institutions are the keys to Africa’s future.

He remembered that Obasanjo’s administration established the National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS), which provided a solid basis for fiscal restraint, economic restructuring, and public sector reforms.

The governor added that a number of important reforms were implemented to reposition the Nigerian economy during Obasanjo’s presidency from 1999 to 2007. These included the 2003 banking sector reforms, the establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and revolutionary changes in the telecom sector.

“Baba, your impact has spread beyond Nigeria to Africa and the larger international community, especially in the fields of diplomacy and conflict resolution.

You have acted as a peace envoy and mediator in a number of regional wars over the years, including those in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, and Liberia.

“You have continuously advocated for discussion as a means of achieving peace and stability through the African Union, the United Nations, and numerous international efforts.

“Young Africans should study leaders like Baba, not just to honor their accomplishments but also to comprehend the values that inform their choices. They need to understand how leadership can change the course of a country and even a continent when it is motivated by service and purpose, he continued.

Governor Abiodun added that Obasanjo was instrumental in assisting liberation movements throughout the continent in his capacity as military head of state.

He remembered that Obasanjo’s belief that the independence of one African nation is strongly linked to the freedom of all prompted Nigeria to stand resolutely against colonial domination and apartheid.

The Haitian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of South Africa, Jean Robert Pillard, gave a presentation titled “The Global Africa Enlightenment: From Chains to Renaissance,” in which he stated that culture serves as a reminder of humanity’s common identity while history unites individuals.

According to Pillard, culture should not be interpreted as nostalgia but rather as evidence that African peoples’ division was political rather than spiritual.

He clarified that while history protects memory, destiny demands action, and that the idea of the Global Africa Enlightenment is a reunion of peoples with common history and tradition rather than a creation.

The ambassador claims that former President Obasanjo’s appeal for a Global Africa Enlightenment is a policy direction and blueprint for the revitalization of African civilization rather than just a lyrical statement.

The celebrant is a role model for many Nigerians and Africans, according to Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, the Alake of Egbaland, who also spoke at the occasion.

He continued by saying that Obasanjo’s enormous contributions to the advancement of Nigeria and the African continent would continue to benefit future generations.

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Olusegun Obasanjo, the former president, was honored on his 89th birthday by former Senate President Bukola Saraki, who called the elder statesman a “living manuscript of the Nigerian story.”

In a tweet posted on his 𝕏 account on Thursday, Saraki commended Obasanjo’s lasting impact on Nigeria’s political and national advancement, pointing out that his life exemplifies the nation’s historical progress.

The former Senate President said that Obasanjo’s life and legacy are still intricately linked to Nigerian history in his birthday tribute.

“The life of our beloved former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, remains a living manuscript of the Nigerian story, still defying the odds and still demanding our attention,” Saraki said. “History is often written in the past tense.”

Noting that the previous military head of state and civilian president’s voice is still crucial during difficult times for the country, he also prayed for the man’s continuous strength and wisdom.

Saraki said, “So, Baba, as you celebrate another year, we celebrate not just the length of your years but the relentless relevance of your voice.”

“May your famed wit continue to be as sharp as ever, and may your wisdom continue to be a reliable compass in times of national uncertainty.

“Your Excellency, happy 89th birthday. In the years to come, may God continue to give you courage, good health, and serenity.

According to reports, Saraki’s statement comes after President Bola Tinubu congratulated Obasanjo on his 89th birthday, calling him an elder statesman whose services to Nigeria are still noteworthy.

Tinubu highlighted the former president’s contributions to national discourse through books, public comments, and policy lobbying, acknowledging his long-lasting influence on the nation’s progress.

Obasanjo’s “towering influence” and “the zeal and wisdom he has brought into Nigeria’s development process through his books and regular interventions, revealing a depth of patriotism to nation-building” were also complimented by the president.

Regarding his longevity and well-being, Obasanjo allegedly thanked God for keeping him alive and well at the age of 89.

The former president insisted that he would continue to serve for as long as God wanted, dismissing those who wished him dead.

“God has promised me that He has more for me to accomplish on earth, and He has provided me with the means to accomplish it. He was quoted as stating, “I dey kampe as usual.”

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Olusegun Obasanjo, the former president, claimed that after years of military rule, Nigerians expected him to work miracles when he was elected president in 1999.

He expressed sadness at not being able to immediately change the nation.

Speaking at an international colloquium celebrating his 89th birthday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo claimed that the expectations stemmed from the years of military tyranny, economic stagnation, and institutional disintegration that Nigerians had to endure.

The Nigerian people had suffered years of institutional deterioration, economic stagnation, and military tyranny when I was elected president in 1999. Some of them believed that they had elected a miracle performer rather than a president, he claimed.

The former president discussed the burden of leadership in his speech, “Burden and Blessing of Leadership: Reflections from Global Africa to the World.”

And I could hear some of them murmuring when the miracle did not come in full measure overnight, as it never can. This is the burden: to be measured by time and elevated by hope, frequently at the same time,” he stated.

He claims that a leader bears the responsibility of holding onto the hopes of others, which are frequently greater than any one person can fulfill.

“Those who have never been in a leadership position cannot really express the unique loneliness that comes with it. A leader, especially a political leader, is never alone, thus it is not the loneliness of being by yourself. You are always surrounded by ministers, counselors, generals, aides, supplicants, flatterers, and critics.

“I’m talking about the loneliness that comes with making a definitive decision. When you are the only one left to make a decision after all the briefings, arguments, and options have been provided. Millions of lives will be impacted by your choice. There is no self-dispersion of that weight. He stated, “It settles on one pair of shoulders, the leader’s shoulders.”

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Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has once again become a trending topic across Nigeria’s political and social media landscape following the circulation of a quote allegedly attributed to former President Olusegun Obasanjo. While the authenticity of the quote remains unverified, its viral spread underscores the enduring impact of Nnamdi Kanu on the national consciousness and the rising support for the Biafra movement.

The quote, which surfaced on Facebook in early April 2025, claimed that Obasanjo described Kanu as “the antidote to Nigeria’s many problems” and “a savior to nations.” Though no credible source confirms that the former president made such a statement, the message has fueled fresh debates about Kanu’s political relevance and the ongoing detention of the IPOB leader.

Despite being held in government custody since June 2021 on charges related to treason and terrorism, Kanu’s message of self-determination for the southeast continues to resonate widely. Many in the region—and across the Nigerian diaspora—view him not as a criminal, but as a freedom fighter and a powerful voice against systemic injustice.

Political analysts argue that the viral nature of the alleged Obasanjo quote—true or not—reflects growing frustration among Nigerians over perceived marginalization, insecurity, and government suppression of dissent. As disillusionment with the ruling APC government grows, the calls for national dialogue and regional autonomy gain more traction.

Supporters of the Biafran agitator believe that Kanu’s incarceration is symbolic of a deeper struggle for equality and recognition in Nigeria. “Even if Obasanjo never said those words, many people believe the sentiment is true,” one pro-Biafra advocate commented online. “Kanu speaks to our pain, and that’s why his influence hasn’t waned.”

The situation also highlights the growing use of digital platforms to amplify political voices and shape public opinion. While Obasanjo has not officially backed Kanu’s actions, his past criticism of governance failures under President Bola Tinubu has made him a figure closely watched by both critics and supporters of the federal government.

Kanu’s continued relevance—despite years of detention—shows that the Biafra cause remains alive in the minds of many Nigerians. His resilience is admired by supporters who say his sacrifice has rekindled a national conversation about democracy, justice, and identity.

With the 2027 elections approaching, issues like ethnic representation, freedom of expression, and government accountability will likely take center stage. Kanu’s legacy, whether through direct action or symbolic representation, is poised to shape political narratives for years to come.

As debates continue, one thing is clear: Nnamdi Kanu’s name still sparks emotion, loyalty, and defiance—and the movement he leads is far from forgotten.

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