Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged Nigerians to embrace regular medical check-ups and healthy living to ensure the early detection and management of life-threatening illnesses such as cancer and diabetes.
Obasanjo made the call in Abeokuta, Ogun State, while flagging off the “Lagos to the World Expedition”, a global road journey designed to promote cancer awareness, early detection, and African integration.
The initiative, conceived by Nigerian entrepreneur and BMW enthusiast Erik Nwagwu, is dedicated to the memory of his late mother, Professor Helen Nwagwu, and his late sister, Onyema Fern Eseka, both of whom died from cancer.
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The flag-off ceremony took place at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, where Obasanjo joined supporters and health advocates to launch the awareness campaign.
Commending Nwagwu for turning personal tragedy into public advocacy, Obasanjo described the initiative as innovative and beneficial to humanity.
“What you are doing in remembrance of your mother and sister is worthy of commendation,” Obasanjo said.
“Instead of accepting that nothing could be done, you created a platform to help others through awareness.”
The former president also shared his personal experience living with diabetes for more than four decades, stressing that many non-communicable diseases, though not curable, can be effectively managed through discipline and healthy habits.
“I have lived with diabetes for over 40 years. I play squash three times a week when I am around, watch my diet and ensure adequate rest,” he said.
Obasanjo emphasised what he described as the “DREMS” approach to healthy living – Diet, Rest, Exercise, Medical screening, and Social interaction – noting that early detection remains critical in the fight against cancer and other diseases.
He urged Nigerians, particularly older adults, to make routine medical tests part of their annual health practices.
Speaking with journalists, Nwagwu explained that the “Lagos to the World Expedition” would be carried out in three phases.
According to him, the first leg of the journey will cover Lagos to Accra, Ghana, before returning to Nigeria, while the second phase will extend to Senegal.
He added that the final phase, scheduled for next year, will involve a full global road expedition through West Africa, North Africa, Europe, Asia, North America, Central America, South America, Australia, and Southern Africa before returning to Lagos.
Nwagwu said the project seeks to address the growing threat of prostate cancer among African men, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where awareness and testing remain low.
“Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among men in sub-Saharan Africa, yet many people do not go for routine screening,” he said.
Through partnerships with Zuri Health, AXA Mansard Insurance, and BMW Club Nigeria, the initiative is also providing free prostate cancer screenings, blood sugar checks, blood pressure monitoring, and Body Mass Index assessments.
Nwagwu disclosed that a major health outreach has already been conducted in Lagos, while another large-scale screening exercise is scheduled to hold in Accra on June 6.
He stressed that one of the key messages of the expedition is the importance of early testing, noting that prostate cancer is highly treatable when detected early, often before symptoms appear.
Beyond health advocacy, Nwagwu said the expedition is also aimed at promoting a positive image of Nigeria and encouraging stronger economic and cultural integration across Africa.
“The world often hears negative stories about Nigeria, but many Nigerians are doing remarkable things every day. This journey is about changing that narrative and showcasing the best of our people and continent,” he said.
Organisers said the “Lagos to the World Expedition” will combine adventure, advocacy, and public health outreach while delivering cancer awareness messages across multiple countries.
