Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged elderly Nigerians to make regular physical exercise, particularly long-distance walking, part of their daily routine to promote healthy ageing and improve their quality of life.

Obasanjo made the call over the weekend after leading about 100 elderly citizens on a 2.5-kilometre health walk through Abeokuta, Ogun State, as part of the keep-fit programme of the Senior Citizens Club of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL).

The former President said regular exercise was essential for people aged 70 and above, stressing that physical activity could help them remain active and live healthier lives despite the challenges associated with ageing.

According to a statement by Obasanjo’s media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, the former President led the participants from the club house within the OOPL premises to Iyana Mortuary through Abiola Way before turning back at Vanguard Pharmacy Junction and returning to the starting point.

The health walk attracted men and women in their 70s, 80s and 90s who are members of the Senior Citizens Club, whose patron is the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo.

Speaking after the exercise, Obasanjo described the initiative as both an awareness campaign and an encouragement for senior citizens to remain physically active.

“The idea is to show and encourage, as well as to let people know that in growing old, exercise is a vital element to make sure that you grow old gracefully and graciously and in a way that even when you are old, you are still able to live the way you should live,” he said.

Obasanjo, who is also a member of the club, noted that membership was open to people aged 70 and above, adding that he was approaching the age himself.

He used the occasion to encourage elderly Nigerians to embrace physical activity as part of efforts to maintain their health and independence as they age.

The President of the club, Group Captain Ayobamiji Erinfolami (retd.), commended Obasanjo for leading the exercise and demonstrating commitment to the wellbeing of senior citizens.

Also speaking, Elder Udo Umoren, a close aide to the former President, described the walk as a needed tonic for elderly citizens and praised Obasanjo for his continued motivation and encouragement.

He said the initiative would encourage members of the club to remain active and age “graciously and gracefully.”