Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has stressed the importance of healthy eating, regular exercise, proper rest, and consistent medical care as key habits for maintaining good health and longevity.
Speaking on Saturday during the tee-off ceremony of the 2026 First Bank/OBJ Golf Tournament held at Abeokuta Golf Club, Obasanjo revealed that he is now “officially 89 years old” and has lived with diabetes for over four decades. He attributed his fitness at that age to discipline, medical attention, and grace.
He explained that maintaining a structured lifestyle built around what he calls “DREAMS + C” has helped him stay active. The framework includes diet, rest, exercise, medical check-ups, social interaction, and contentment, which he described as essential for balanced living.
Obasanjo noted that he created a senior citizens’ club at OOPL to encourage social engagement among older adults, adding that membership is strictly for those aged 70 and above.
He also commended First Bank for its continued sponsorship of the golf tournament, describing it as a platform that promotes unity, discipline, and national cohesion.
The Group CEO of First Bank Group, Olusegun Alebiosu, praised participants for their sportsmanship and discipline, saying the event reflects values such as focus, character, and continuous improvement beyond competition.
He also appreciated the organizers and volunteers for maintaining high standards in the tournament.
According to the Vice Chairman of Abeokuta Golf Club and Chairman of the Organising Committee, the event is held in honour of Obasanjo to celebrate his contributions to Nigeria and Africa. He also addressed misconceptions about golf, explaining that the sport is more accessible than many people believe.
He added that many professional golfers, including Nigeria’s top-ranked player Francis Ekpeyong, as well as former number one player Sunday Olapade and veteran golfer Nojim Shofela, continue to raise the profile of the sport in Nigeria.
He further noted that golf can be played flexibly and encourages fitness, as players often walk long distances during a round, helping improve physical health.
Overall, the tournament featured about 176 amateur golfers competing and enjoying the event
