Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on Nigerians and Africans to embrace regular exercise, proper diet, and active participation in sports as key pillars for healthy living and longevity.
He made the appeal on Saturday at the 8th edition of the FirstBank/OBJ Golf Tournament held at the Abeokuta Golf Club, where he described the annual sporting event as part of his personal legacy initiative supported by First Bank of Nigeria Limited over the years.
Obasanjo said sports remain essential not only for physical fitness but also for social interaction, mental balance, and long life, particularly among older citizens.
He urged the public to pay closer attention to their health, stressing that lifestyle choices play a major role in preventing illness and improving quality of life.
The former president introduced what he described as the “DREAMS + C” framework for healthy living, explaining each component in practical terms.
He said “D” represents proper diet, while “R” stands for adequate rest. “E” signifies regular exercise, and “M” refers to consistent medical check-ups and adherence to prescribed treatments.
He added that “S” stands for social interaction, which he described as important for emotional stability and wellbeing, while “C” represents contentment, urging people to remain satisfied while pursuing realistic goals.
Obasanjo disclosed that he has lived with diabetes for more than four decades, attributing his stability to discipline, medical compliance, and healthy lifestyle practices.
He encouraged Nigerians to incorporate sports and physical activities into their daily routines as a preventive health measure rather than waiting for illness to occur.
The Captain of the Abeokuta Golf Club, Umar Bakare, described the tournament as one of the most significant sporting events hosted by the club annually, noting its growing popularity.
Bakare also called on government authorities to invest more in sports infrastructure, saying such investments would help youth development and reduce social vices across the country.
He stressed that sports play a vital role in national unity, discipline, and youth empowerment.
The Chief Executive Officer of First Bank Group, Olusegun Alebiosu, commended participants for their discipline and sportsmanship, describing the tournament as a platform that promotes integrity, focus, and long-lasting professional relationships.
He said the competition goes beyond winning, emphasizing that it builds character, mental strength, and consistency among participants.
Alebiosu noted that the tournament has continued to elevate the standard of golf in Nigeria while strengthening partnerships among stakeholders in the sports sector.
Earlier, the Vice Captain of the Abeokuta Golf Club and Chairman of the Planning Committee, Adeniran Oladele, said the event was organised to honour Obasanjo’s contributions to national development.
He explained that over 176 amateur golfers and more than 20 professional players participated in the tournament, reflecting its wide appeal across the country.
Oladele also dismissed the belief that golf is reserved for elites, stressing that the sport is open to people from diverse backgrounds and promotes inclusiveness, discipline, and fitness.
