On Sunday, former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, paid tribute to the late American President Jimmy Carter by organizing a memorial service at the Chapel of Christ the Glorious King in Abeokuta. This event was attended by Obasanjo’s family, friends, and associates, commemorating Carter’s life, who passed away at the age of 100 on December 29, 2024.
During the service, Obasanjo outlined several parallels between his own life and that of Carter in a tribute titled ‘Jimmy Carter: The Departure Of A Titan’. He reflected on their similar upbringings, noting that both were born into farming families in rural settings; Carter in Plains, Georgia, and Obasanjo in Ibogun-Olaogun, Ogun State. Both men were raised with a strong sense of discipline, morality, hard work, integrity, and compassion for the poor, instilled by their parents.
Obasanjo humorously acknowledged that Carter had one advantage over him in terms of infrastructure: “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.” This comparison underscores the humble beginnings both leaders shared, despite the vast geographical distance between their homes.
Their military backgrounds also formed a common ground, as both had served in their respective countries’ armed forces before entering politics. Obasanjo mentioned their meeting during his tenure as a military Head of State, suggesting that without their political involvement, their paths might never have crossed.
The memorial was not just about similarities but also about the significant impact Carter had on Obasanjo’s life. Obasanjo recounted how Carter intervened during a critical time when he was imprisoned under the regime of the late General Sani Abacha, highlighting Carter’s commitment to human rights and justice.
In his sermon, Rev. Israel Akanji, President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, praised Carter for maintaining his humility despite his achievements. He described Carter as embodying the philosophy of communal sharing, “What is mine is yours if you need,” and urged contemporary leaders to emulate this compassion and concern for the welfare of the people.
Obasanjo concluded the tribute by expressing his personal loss, stating, “I would miss Carter, ‘a great and true friend but I know we shall meet again in paradise.'” He emphasized Carter’s role as not just a national but a global leader, whose righteousness and love for humanity left an indelible mark on the world.
This memorial service was a testament to the enduring friendships and shared values that can transcend national boundaries, celebrating the life of a man whose legacy continues to inspire leadership and compassion worldwide.
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