World Diabetes Day 2024: Obasanjo Is A Good Example Of Diabetes Management, Says OOF CEO, Olalekan Makinde As Foundation Offers Free Screenings, Medical Care to Ogun People
As part of activities marking the commemoration of world Diabetes Day 2024, the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation(OOF) has floated a 3-day strategic awareness and meduxal care programme from which many residents of Ogun State and Nigeria, in general have benefited.
By: Abdulwasiu Akintunde
The CEO of the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation (OOF), Dr. Olalekan Makinde, has praised former President Olusegun Obasanjo as a model of effective diabetes management, crediting his disciplined lifestyle with inspiring a new health campaign aimed at combating diabetes and other Non-communicable diseases (NCD) in Nigeria.
Dr Makinde made this know in an exclusive interview with OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News correspondent at the World Diabetes Day 2024, held at the Amphitheatre, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Thursday, drawing a large crowd of Ogun residents who benefited from free health checks and medical care.
The theme of this year’s World Diabetes Day focused on "Helping Africans Live Life to the Fullest."
OTN News gathered that the three-day medical outreach, hosted by the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation(OOF) from November 12 to November 15, 2024, offers various services, including free Non Communicable Disease (NCD) screenings, free medications, free surgeries, free recommended glasses, and free eye checkups.
The Non-governmental Foundation's CEO announced a series of free health screenings and medical care initiatives, emphasizing OOF's commitment to raising awareness and providing resources for healthier living across the country.
He also shared the foundation's ongoing efforts in five key areas such as healthcare, education, agriculture, youth empowerment, and leadership, maintaining that through various programmes and initiatives, the foundation aims to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Nigerians.
Dr Makinde highlighted that one of OOF's primary healthcare initiatives focuses on non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with a special emphasis on diabetes.
Additionally, Dr. Makinde highlighted that raising awareness about diabetes is crucial, as millions of Nigerians live with the condition without proper knowledge or care.
“The objective is to create awareness about diabetes,” he explained. “People are suffering without understanding what steps to take, and we aim to change that.”
Furthermore, Dr. Makinde also noted that former President, Olusegun Obasanjo has lived with diabetes for over 50 years. Despite this, Chief Obasanjo, now 90, remains highly active, engaging in daily exercise and maintaining his health with discipline.
"He exercises for two hours every morning, At 90, he’s still working hard, dancing, and setting an example for everyone," Makinde said.
OTN News Correspondent further gathered from Dr Makinde that this commitment inspired the foundation’s “DREMS + C” formula, a practical guide to managing diabetes and other chronic diseases: The acronym in details entails:
- D - Diet: Eat healthily; avoid junk and processed foods.
- R - Rest: Don’t overwork yourself; rest adequately.
- E - Exercise: Engage in daily, consistent exercise.
- M - Medicals: Regular checkups and taking prescribed medications.
- S - Social: Maintain an active, social life.
- + C - Contentment: Find peace and contentment, which can be a spiritual journey for many.
According to Dr. Makinde, the foundation’s health initiatives, such as free diabetes screenings and medical care, have already helped many people, drawing individuals from Lagos, Ibadan, and beyond.
He also expressed a strong interest in expanding partnerships stating, “We’re open to both local and international collaborations. Our goal is to support Nigerians in need. We can’t help everyone, but we’re starting with what we can.”
With these programs, the OOF continues to empower individuals to take charge of their health and future.
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