Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, says the grace of God and squash game have been the secrets behind his longevity.

The former president said he is addicted to the game of squash.

Obasanjo said this on Saturday during the finals of the third Olusegun Obasanjo National Squash Championship held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The championship featured Senior and U16 – Men and Women, Boys and girls – and attracted participants from different states of Nigeria.

The tourney was organised by Ogun State Squash Association in collaboration with Nigeria Squash Federation.

Obasanjo in his remarks, described squash, believed to be a game of the army, as interesting and exciting.

The 84-year-old player emphasised that the grace of God and the game of squash are secrets of his longevity.

He said, “Those of you who probably feel that the game of squash is something that is fearful, you can now see the beauty, excitement, and the interest. It is a very beautiful game.

“I am addicted to it. And when people ask me, at my young age… I am a young man, officially, 84, going to 85 years. I’m still playing squash. So, when people ask me, what is the secret? It’s the grace of God and squash is part of the secret.”

He added, “Again, it is a game that does not require too much time. If you are a very busy person, when you play a game of squash for one hour, you must be sweating. There are other games, when you play them for three hours, you don’t even know that you are playing a game. But here, you are in the court for 45, 50, or 60 minutes, you have got a good exercise for the day.”

Meanwhile, Mistura Durosinoluwa from Kwara State has emerged the winner of under 16 category of the tourney.

Mistura defeated Delight Allison from Akwa Ibom state by three straight set in the final of the Championship played at the Olusegun Obasanjo Squash court in Abeokuta.

Punch Ng