Sports
FORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo on Saturday advocated regular exercise, healthy living and sports participation as essential tools for longevity and overall wellbeing.
Obasanjo spoke at the 8th edition of the FirstBank/OBJ Golf Tournament held at Abeokuta Golf Club.
The former president described the annual tournament as a personal legacy project which had enjoyed the support of First Bank of Nigeria Ltd over the last eight years.
According to him, sports and regular exercise remain critical to healthy living, social interaction and long life, especially among senior citizens.
Obasanjo urged Nigerians and Africans to pay greater attention to their health and wellbeing.
He highlighted what he described as “DREAMS + C” as a guide to healthy living and longevity.
According to him, “D” stands for proper diet, “R” represents adequate rest, while “E” means regular exercise.
He explained that “M” refers to regular medical checkups and compliance with prescribed medication.
He added that “S” symbolises social interaction, which he described as vital for emotional wellbeing and healthy ageing.
The former president further explained that “C” stands for contentment, urging people to remain content while pursuing realistic ambitions in life.
He disclosed that he had successfully managed diabetes for over 40 years through discipline, proper healthcare and healthy lifestyle choices.
Obasanjo encouraged Nigerians to embrace sports and physical activities as part of their daily routine.
The Captain of Abeokuta Golf Club, Umar Bakare, described the competition as one of the biggest sporting events hosted annually by the club.
Bakare called for greater government investment in sports infrastructure, saying increased support for sports development would positively engage youths and reduce social vices.
According to him, sports remain an important tool for national development, unity and youth empowerment.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of First Bank Group, Mr Olusegun Alebiosu, commended participants for their discipline, integrity and sportsmanship.
Alebiosu described the tournament as a platform that promotes focus, fair play, character, and enduring relationships beyond competition.
According to him, the event celebrates not only achievements on the golf course, but also consistency, discipline, and mental focus required in the game.
He noted that the tournament had continued to raise the standard of golf competitions in Nigeria.
Alebiosu also acknowledged the partnership and collaboration among stakeholders, saying such support remains vital to sustaining platforms that promote excellence and shared purpose.
Earlier, the Vice Captain of Abeokuta Golf Club and Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr Adeniran Oladele, said the tournament was organised to celebrate Obasanjo’s legacy and contributions to national development.
Oladele noted that the competition had continued to attract golfers from across the country, promoting tourism, friendship, and economic activities in Ogun state.
According to him, more than 176 amateur golfers participated in the tournament, while over 20 professional golfers competed in the professional category.
He dismissed the perception that golf was only for elites, stressing that the game remained accessible to people from different backgrounds, promoting unity, discipline, fitness and positive youth engagement.
(NAN)
F.O
Tags: FisrtBank Obasanjo tournament