Former Nigerian President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has disclosed that he has been living with diabetes for the past 40 years, sharing an inspiring message of resilience and health management for millions of people living with the condition.
​Obasanjo, now 89, made the revelation during a health awareness event, catching many in the audience by surprise given his famously robust energy, active public life, and rigorous daily routines.
​Speaking candidly about his long-term health journey, the elder statesman emphasized that a diabetes diagnosis does not equate to a death sentence. Instead, he framed it as a condition that demands strict discipline, consistency, and a positive mindset.
​”I was diagnosed with diabetes more than 40 years ago,” Obasanjo disclosed. “Many of my contemporaries who were diagnosed around the same time have passed away, not because diabetes is inherently fatal, but because they failed to manage it properly.”
​The former president explained that his longevity and vitality are the direct results of listening to his body and strictly adhering to medical advice regarding diet, exercise, and medication.
​Obasanjo urged the public, particularly those living with the condition, to view diabetes management as a lifestyle change rather than a burden. He highlighted major routines that have kept him active into his late 80s.
​”Diabetes is not a disease that should kill you,” Obasanjo stated. “If you are disciplined, you can live a long, healthy, and highly productive life. You must master the disease; do not let the disease master you.”
​Public health experts have praised the former president’s openness, noting that high-profile disclosures help dismantle the stigma and fear often associated with chronic illnesses in Africa.
