Former President Olusegun Obasanjo paid heartfelt homage to the late Jimmy Carter, describing him as a “giant and a man of peace” during a memorial service dedicated to the former American president. The event took place at the Chapel of Christ the Glorious King within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Sunday.
Obasanjo recounted how Carter courageously intervened to facilitate his release from prison during the regime of the late General Sani Abacha. He expressed profound gratitude for Carter’s efforts, highlighting the significant role the former U.S. president played in his life.
Carter, who served as the 39th president of the United States and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his humanitarian efforts post-presidency, passed away at the age of 100 on December 29, 2024, at his residence in Plains, Georgia.
Reflecting on their connection, Obasanjo stated, “President Carter was among the few foreign friends who took bold steps to advocate for my freedom and sought my release from detention. During his visit to Nigeria, he convinced Abacha to transition my confinement from prison to house arrest on my farm, although that arrangement did not last long.”
He continued, “In the twilight of my life, I found myself under the oppressive rule of Sani Abacha, who sought to maintain power indefinitely. President Carter was unique among my foreign allies; he was the only non-African leader who visited Abacha solely to advocate for my release.”
Obasanjo concluded by expressing his everlasting gratitude to all those who contributed to his liberation from Abacha’s harsh conditions, emphasizing the importance of Carter’s unwavering support during a critical time in his life.
