Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has reiterated the need for Nigerians to undergo regular medical check-ups and screening to ensure early detection and management of ailments such as cancer, diabetes and other non-communicable diseases.
Obasanjo made the call in Abeokuta, Ogun State, while flagging off the “Lagos to the World Expedition,” an initiative designed to raise awareness on prostate cancer.
The initiative was organised by Nigerian entrepreneur and BMW enthusiast, Erik Nwagwu, who dedicated the expedition to the memory of his late mother and sister, both of whom died from cancer.
The flag-off ceremony took place at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, where Obasanjo performed the symbolic launch with a ride in a BMW vehicle and commended the organiser for using the project to promote a humanitarian cause.
Sharing his personal health experience, Obasanjo noted that many chronic diseases are manageable if properly monitored and detected 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.
“The walk from here to the front of the building, I was still able to do it. But what do I do? I play squash three times a week — Monday, Wednesday and Friday — if I am around. I also watch what I eat. Diet can be exciting and pleasurable, but if you eat badly, then the consequences can also be bad.
“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.
“Regular medical checks must be prioritised. If tests show early symptoms, they can be treated and dealt with. But, of course, again, the cost of carrying out the tests means some people don’t even take medical examinations seriously.
“But once you are becoming what I call a senior citizen, not an old man or an old woman, a senior citizen — and that starts from about the age of 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, and then 85 — you have to take medical tests seriously.”
Obasanjo stressed that lifestyle choices such as diet, rest and exercise remain critical to maintaining good health, especially among older citizens.
Speaking on the expedition, Nwagwu said the project is dedicated to raising awareness on prostate cancer, particularly among Black men and those in sub-Saharan Africa, where the disease remains a leading cause of cancer deaths among men.
He explained that the “Lagos to the World” expedition involves a global road journey in phases, beginning with West African routes including Accra and Senegal, before extending through North Africa, Europe, Asia, North America, Central and South America, Australia, and South Africa, before returning to Lagos.
Nwagwu also revealed that free prostate cancer screenings are being conducted in partnership with Zuri Health, alongside checks for blood sugar levels, body mass index and blood pressure, as part of efforts to encourage early detection.
He noted that the campaign has already conducted screenings in Lagos and plans further sessions in Accra and other locations as the expedition continues.
According to him, the initiative aims to normalise routine medical testing, emphasizing that many serious conditions, including prostate cancer, may not show symptoms until advanced stages.
