Obasanjo Advocates Cultural Pride and Contentment at 89

​ABEOKUTA – Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has made a passionate plea for the preservation of Africa’s cultural heritage, describing it as the essential soul of the continent’s identity.

​Speaking on Saturday at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, the elder statesman addressed members of the De Kegite Club, Ogun Hemisphere, during a vibrant celebration organized to commemorate his 89th birthday.

​Obasanjo, who serves as the Eternal Grand Patron of the sociocultural group, lauded the club for its consistency in promoting indigenous values. “Culture is the totality of our way of life,” Obasanjo remarked. “I am excited and happy to live long enough to be celebrated by the Kegites, whose activities ensure our traditions do not fade away.”

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​The Six Pillars of Longevity

​Beyond cultural advocacy, the former president shared a personal blueprint for his sustained vitality. He attributed his longevity to a combination of divine grace and a disciplined lifestyle, outlining what he termed the essential pillars of health:

• ​Dietary Discipline: Being mindful of nutritional intake.
• ​Rest and Exercise: Balancing physical activity with adequate recuperation.
• ​Medical Vigilance: Prioritizing regular check-ups rather than waiting for illness to strike.
• ​Social Interaction: Engaging with community and family to maintain mental sharpness.
• ​Contentment: Cultivating a peaceful mind by being satisfied with God’s provisions.

​”Contentment enhances sound health and gives peace of mind,” he noted, adding that the social energy provided by groups like the Kegites remains a personal highlight of his yearly calendar.

​A Legacy of Tradition

​Tunde Aregbeshola, the immediate past Accountant General of Ogun State and Grand Patron of the club, described Obasanjo as a “cultural icon.” He revealed that the former president’s affiliation with the movement dates back decades, long before many current members were born.

​”Baba believes in tradition and customs,” Aregbeshola said. “His passion for indigenous values informed our decision to honor him as we do every year following his March 5 birthday.”

​Chief Ayinla Semiu, representing the club’s national headquarters at the University of Ibadan, echoed these sentiments, noting that Obasanjo has been an active member since 1976. Semiu highlighted the club’s unique philosophy of using palm wine as a traditional symbol of peace and reconciliation.

​Reflecting on the efficacy of African heritage, Obasanjo reminded the audience that before the arrival of orthodox medicine, Africans relied on the potency of roots and leaves—a testament to the continent’s deep-rooted knowledge and resourcefulness.