Saturday, 25 November 2017 02:47

I’ve been diabetic for 30 years, yet I’m getting stronger - Obasanjo

Rate this item
(0 votes)

Former President, Mr Olusegun Obasanjo says that diabetes only kills those who are careless about its treatment.

Obasanjo made the statement on Friday in Abeokuta when he led hundreds of people on a road walk to sensitise the populace on the disease and how to manage it.

The road walk was organised by South West Zone of Diabetes Association of Nigeria (DAN) in collaboration with Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), to mark 2017 World Diabetes Day.

The two kilometre walk which began at OOPL, passed through MKO Abiola Way with 15 minutes stop-over at the premises of Sunny Yinka Oil before terminating at the take-off point.

The former president was joined in the walk by the Oluwo of Iwoland, Mr Abdulrasheed Akanbi, Commissioner for Health in Ogun, Mr Babatunde Ipaye, and Chief Executive Officer of Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation, Mr Olalekan Makinde.

According to Obasanjo, if a person with diabetes takes care of himself, he will discover that “diabetes is not a killer disease.”

Obasanjo lamented that many youth in the country rarely exercised, saying that because of his lifestyle, in spite of his age, he was still agile and fit.

“Diabetes is not a disease that should kill. I was diagnosed to be diabetic more than 30 years ago but rather I am growing stronger.

“If you don’t believe I am growing strong and you didn’t witness this walk, come and see me at night, you will know I am growing strong.

“Come and see me in the morning, you will know I am growing strong, even in the afternoon; you will know I am growing strong.

“What is necessary is management of diabetes. Some people said some diseases are incurable but diabetes is manageable and compliant.

“My headmaster in primary school was diagnosed at the age of 50 and died at age 85. You will agree with me that he tried.”

He advised diabetics to be mindful of their health and eat healthy.

“What to do is that if you’re diabetic don’t be nonchalant about it and don’t eat carelessly.

“Three things are important, the food you eat, regular exercise and prescribed medication - those are the three most important things.

“You can be diabetic and still live till 100. I don’t know when I will die but I am above 80 and many youth could not catch up with my pace during the exercise this morning. Many of them were running after me.

“This is my message. Whether you’re diabetic or you have a family or friend who is diabetic; diabetes is not a killer disease or it should not be a killer disease unless you are careless,” Obasanjo added.

In a speech, Akanbi said he was in Abeokuta to support Obasanjo in the awareness walk, advising people to always take their health issues serious.

NAN

November 25, 2024

From zero to $10 billion annual transactions: How Jiji became one of Nigeria’s e-commerce leaders

When Jiji launched in 2014, it entered a competitive e-commerce market in Nigeria, joining the…
November 24, 2024

PDP governors urge Tinubu to review economic policies amid rising hardship

Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have called on President…
November 24, 2024

Older adults opened up about things they ‘took for granted’ in their 20s and 30s

Last month, we wrote a post where older adults from the BuzzFeed Community shared things…
November 16, 2024

Influencer eats pig feed in extreme attempt to save money

Popular Douyin streamer Kong Yufeng recently sparked controversy in China by eating pig feed on…
November 22, 2024

FG excited as pro-Biafra agitator Simon Ekpa arrested in Finland on terrorism charges

Simon Ekpa, the controversial leader of the pro-Biafra faction Autopilot, was arrested by Finnish authorities…
November 25, 2024

Here’s the latest as Israel-Hamas war enters Day 416

Hezbollah rockets land near Tel Aviv after large Israeli strike on Beirut Lebanon's Hezbollah movement…
November 21, 2024

Nigeria comes top in instant payment system inclusivity index in Africa

Nigeria’s instant payment system is projected to advance to the maturity inclusion spectrum ahead of…
October 27, 2024

Nigeria awarded 3-0 win over Libya after airport fiasco

Nigeria have been awarded a 3-0 victory over Libya, and three vital points, from their…

NEWSSCROLL TEAM: 'Sina Kawonise: Publisher/Editor-in-Chief; Prof Wale Are Olaitan: Editorial Consultant; Femi Kawonise: Head, Production & Administration; Afolabi Ajibola: IT Manager;
Contact Us: [email protected] Tel/WhatsApp: +234 811 395 4049

Copyright © 2015 - 2024 NewsScroll. All rights reserved.