Former President Goodluck Jonathan has pledged to dedicate the rest of his life to promoting peace and serving humanity, both in Nigeria and globally.
He made the promise on Sunday during a reception held in Abuja by the “Friends of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan” to celebrate his receipt of the 2025 Sunhak Global Peace Prize in Seoul, South Korea.
“I will continue to do my little best until the last day I live on earth. I believe that’s the only way I can serve God—by serving man,” Jonathan said.
Reflecting on his humble beginnings and the suffering he witnessed while growing up, the former president noted that his commitment to peace and the betterment of humanity remains unwavering. He recalled his reluctance to enter national politics, preferring initially to focus on developing Bayelsa, his home state.
“Bayelsa is a small state. I wanted to see what change I could make there,” Jonathan said. “But here I am today—honoured not just by my country, but globally.”
Jonathan expressed surprise at being chosen for the Sunhak Peace Prize, saying he did not expect the global recognition. He also thanked the event organisers and the many dignitaries who gathered in his honour, despite initially declining the idea of a reception.
Speaking at the event, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, described Jonathan as a beacon of peace and a symbol of democratic sacrifice.
“There is no better day to honour you than Easter—a day that signifies sacrifice,” Obi said. “You’ve made great sacrifices for peace in Nigeria, Africa, and the world.”
Chief host of the event, entrepreneur Azibaola Robert, lauded Jonathan’s deep-rooted passion for peace, describing him as a role model whose legacy is difficult to match. “Jonathan is a God-sent—not only to Bayelsa but to Nigeria and the global community,” he said.
Ambassador Hassan Tukur, a former Principal Private Secretary to Jonathan, also commended his peacebuilding efforts across Africa. He cited Jonathan’s pivotal role in resolving conflicts in Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Guinea-Bissau, and Mali.
“Jonathan was the only sitting president who flew into Mali at the height of its crisis, spending 12 hours negotiating peace. The Malians have not forgotten,” Tukur said.
He emphasized that Jonathan’s impact extended far beyond Nigeria, adding that the award was not just for him, but a pride for the entire nation.
Former Information Minister Labaran Maku praised Jonathan’s historic 2015 decision to peacefully concede defeat in Nigeria’s presidential election, calling it “epochal” and a defining moment for Nigerian democracy.
“In our continent, it’s rare to find a leader who would say the presidency is not worth the blood of any citizen. Jonathan said that—and lived it,” Maku said.
Also in attendance were Dame Patience Jonathan, the Oloibiri monarch King Amalate Turner, Olori Opeoluwa Ogunwusi, wife of the Ooni of Ife, former governors, ministers, and Jonathan’s aides.
The Sunhak Peace Prize, established in 2015, celebrates individuals and organisations that advance global peace through efforts in conflict resolution, sustainable development, and ecological conservation. Jonathan is the third recipient and the first African to win in the category, following former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.
Jonathan was honoured for his steadfast mediation roles and pro-democracy advocacy across Africa.
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