Obasanjo Hosts Memorial Service for Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter

Former Nigerian President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on Sunday held a memorial service in Abeokuta, Ogun State, to honor the late former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. The event took place at the Chapel of Christ the Glorious King and was attended by Obasanjo’s family, friends, and associates.  

Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, served from 1977 to 1981 and passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100. In his tribute, titled *Jimmy Carter: The Departure of a Titan*, Obasanjo highlighted the similarities they shared in their personal and professional lives.

“In terms of early life background, I shared similarity with President Jimmy Carter,” Obasanjo began. “He was born into a farming family in Plains, Georgia, and I was born into a farming family in the rural village of Ibogun-Olaogun in Ogun.”

Obasanjo further noted that both he and Carter were raised by disciplinarian parents who instilled values such as hard work, integrity, and humility. He added, “My parents inculcated similar attributes in me as I was growing up in a rural area that had no piped water, no electricity, just as it was in Plains, Georgia.”

The former president humorously acknowledged one difference in their upbringing. “He beat me, though, in one respect: there was a road to his settlement. There was no road to my village. We walked to every place or, at best, we were carried on bicycles,” Obasanjo remarked.

Obasanjo also drew parallels in their military backgrounds and political careers. “President Carter had a military background, which I had as well. In fact, we met when I was a military Head of State. But if not that we were both in politics, our paths may not have crossed,” he said.

Expressing his admiration for Carter’s global impact, Obasanjo described him as a man of righteousness and a lover of humanity. “He was a righteous man whose righteousness spread over the whole world. He was a lover of humanity, a man of God, and he was a great and true friend of mine,” he stated.

The former Nigerian leader revealed the deep bond he shared with Carter, noting that the late American president had once intervened on his behalf during a difficult time. “Carter stuck out his neck to save my life by seeking my release from prison under the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha,” Obasanjo recalled.

Obasanjo explained his decision to organize the service in Nigeria, despite Carter living and dying almost 5,000 miles away. “The late American President was a great world leader. I held this service because he lived a life worthy of emulation,” he said.

The President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Israel Akanji, delivered the sermon during the service, praising Carter’s compassion and humility. “The late American President did not allow his humble background to leave him till he died,” Akanji said.

Rev. Akanji described Carter as someone who embodied the philosophy of generosity. “He believed in the philosophy of ‘What is mine is yours if you need.’ That is the mark of a compassionate person,” the clergyman added.

The reverend also used the opportunity to urge leaders to emulate Carter’s dedication to humanity. “Leaders should be compassionate and not fold their arms or feel unconcerned about the welfare of the people,” he said.

Obasanjo ended his tribute by reflecting on his personal loss. “I will miss Carter, a great and true friend, but I know we shall meet again in paradise,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the service served as a platform to celebrate Carter’s selfless contributions to humanity, particularly through the Carter Center.

The service concluded with prayers for Carter’s soul and a renewed call for world leaders to prioritize humanity in their policies and actions.