Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, on Sunday, honored the life and legacy of late U.S. President Jimmy Carter with a memorial service at the Chapel of Christ the Glorious King in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The service, attended by family, friends, and associates, celebrated Carter’s impactful contributions to humanity and his lifelong commitment to service.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Carter, who served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981, passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100.
In his tribute titled “Jimmy Carter: The Departure of a Titan,” Obasanjo drew parallels between his life and Carter’s, emphasizing their shared rural upbringings and dedication to public service.
“President Carter and I had similar early life backgrounds,” Obasanjo said. “He was born into a farming family in Plains, Georgia, while I was born into a farming family in Ibogun-Olaogun, Ogun State. Like him, I grew up in a rural setting devoid of pipe-borne water and electricity. However, he had a slight advantage—his settlement had a road, while we had none and had to walk or rely on bicycles for transportation.”
Obasanjo highlighted the disciplinarian upbringing they both experienced, which instilled values of morality, hard work, humility, and compassion. He also noted their shared military backgrounds, recalling that their paths crossed when he served as Nigeria’s Head of State.
Carter’s friendship was more than personal. Obasanjo recounted how Carter intervened during Nigeria’s dark days under General Sani Abacha’s regime, advocating for his release from prison. “I will miss a great and true friend, but I am confident we shall meet again in paradise,” Obasanjo said.
The former President also praised Carter’s global legacy, particularly through the Carter Center, which championed health, human rights, and democracy. “Carter was a righteous man whose impact transcended borders. He was a lover of humanity and a man of God,” he added.
Rev. Israel Akanji, President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, delivered the sermon, urging leaders to emulate Carter’s compassion and dedication to the welfare of others. Akanji praised Carter’s philosophy of sharing resources with those in need, a testament to his humble and generous spirit.
The service in Abeokuta underscored Carter’s enduring influence as a global statesman and humanitarian, a legacy cherished far beyond the shores of his homeland.
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