Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on Nigerians to prioritise regular medical check-ups and health screenings to ensure the early detection and effective management of diseases such as cancer, diabetes and other non-communicable illnesses.
Obasanjo made the appeal on Sunday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during the flag-off of the “Lagos to the World Expedition,” an awareness campaign focused on prostate cancer education and prevention.
The initiative was launched by Nigerian entrepreneur and BMW enthusiast Erik Nwagwu, who dedicated the campaign to the memory of his late mother, Prof. Helen Nwagwu, and his late sister, Mrs. Onyema Eseka, both of whom died from cancer.
Speaking at the event held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, the former president praised Nwagwu for choosing a project that promotes public health awareness while honouring the memory of his loved ones.
Obasanjo used the occasion to share his personal experience with diabetes, stressing that many chronic illnesses can be managed successfully when diagnosed early.
“Most diseases that are not curable are manageable. I have a disease that is not curable, and that is diabetes. I was diagnosed with diabetes more than 40 years ago, and I still manage it,” he said.
The former president explained that maintaining a healthy lifestyle through proper diet, exercise and rest has helped him manage the condition over the years.
He revealed that he regularly plays squash three times a week and pays close attention to his diet and overall wellbeing.
According to Obasanjo, healthy living can be achieved through what he described as the “DREMS” principle, which stands for Diet, Rest, Exercise, Medical checks and Social interactions.
“One other important thing is rest. When I must rest, I will rest. Diet, rest and exercise are very, very important. And then, that’s what I call DREMS, meaning Diet, Rest, Exercise, Medical and Social interactions,” he said.
He also emphasised the importance of routine medical examinations, particularly for older adults.
“Regular medical checks must be prioritised. If tests show early symptoms, they can be treated and dealt with,” he stated.
Obasanjo acknowledged that the cost of medical tests remains a challenge for many Nigerians but urged senior citizens to take health screenings seriously.
“Once you are becoming what I call a senior citizen, not an old man or an old woman, a senior citizen, you have to take medical tests seriously,” he added.
Speaking with journalists, Nwagwu explained that the “Lagos to the World Expedition” is a global road trip designed to raise awareness about prostate cancer and encourage regular health screenings.
He said the journey would take place in three phases, beginning with a trip to Accra, Ghana, before extending to Senegal and eventually covering multiple continents.
“Lagos to the World is a circumnavigation of the globe in three legs,” Nwagwu said.
He explained that the final phase of the expedition would take him through West Africa, North Africa, Europe, Asia, North America, Central America, South America, Australia and South Africa before returning to Lagos.
Nwagwu said one of the key messages of the campaign is the need for Black men, particularly those in sub-Saharan Africa, to undergo regular prostate cancer screening.
According to him, prostate cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among men, largely because many cases are detected too late.
He disclosed that the initiative is partnering with healthcare provider Zuri Health to offer free prostate cancer screenings, as well as blood sugar, blood pressure and body mass index checks.
“We’ve done one in Lagos. We’re going to do an even larger one. We’re also doing one in Accra on June 6,” he said.
Nwagwu stressed that early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and urged men to make prostate cancer screening part of their annual health routine.
“Sometimes you don’t even have any symptoms, but the best thing is to make those tests part of your annual routine. That’s one of the messages I’m carrying to the world from Nigeria,” he said.
The awareness campaign is expected to engage communities across several countries while promoting preventive healthcare and encouraging individuals to take proactive steps toward maintaining their health.
