Kehinde Fajobi
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has hailed late U.S. President Jimmy Carter as a “titan and man of peace” at a memorial service held in Carter’s honour at the Chapel of Christ the Glorious King, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Sunday.
Carter, who served as the 39th U.S. president and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his humanitarian efforts, passed away on 29 December 2024 at the age of 100.
Obasanjo recalled Carter’s pivotal role in securing his release from prison under the military regime of General Sani Abacha.
“President Carter was one of my foreign friends who stuck their necks out to save my life and to seek my release from prison,” Obasanjo said.
“On his visit to Nigeria, he persuaded Abacha to move me from detention to house arrest on my farm, though it didn’t last long.”
Obasanjo emphasised that Carter was the only non-African leader who personally met Abacha to advocate for his release.
“I will remain ever grateful to all who worked for my release from Abacha’s gulag,” he added.
He recounted a touching moment after his release, saying, “When I visited President Carter in the U.S., he told me about Ted Turner’s offer to support me and my family if I were freed. I was moved to tears by this act of kindness.”
Reflecting on Carter’s character, Obasanjo described him as a humble, honest man of God.
“He led with simplicity, humility, and a collaborative spirit that brought success to his work,” he noted.
Obasanjo shared similarities between their backgrounds, both being born into farming families and raised with values of discipline, morality, and compassion.
“He grew up in Plains, Georgia, and I in Ibogun-Olaogun, Ogun State. We both lacked basic amenities but learned the essence of hard work and integrity,” he said.
He concluded his tribute with gratitude and hope: “For me, I would miss a great and true friend, but I know we shall meet again in Paradise.”
The service highlighted Carter’s global impact as a leader, humanitarian, and advocate for peace.