Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, on Sunday highlighted the similarities he shared with the late Jimmy Carter, former President of the United States, during a funeral service held in Carter’s honor at the Chapel of Christ the Glorious King in Abeokuta.
The event, attended by Obasanjo’s family, friends, and associates, commemorated Carter’s life and contributions to humanity. The former U.S. President passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100. He served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981.
Obasanjo explained that the service celebrated Carter’s selfless dedication to humanity, particularly through his Carter Center initiative. In his tribute titled “Jimmy Carter: The Departure of a Titan,” Obasanjo reflected on their shared backgrounds.
“President Carter and I were both born into farming families—he in Plains, Georgia, and I in Ibogun-Olaogun, Ogun State. Both of us grew up in humble settings with disciplinarian parents who instilled values of morality, hard work, integrity, kindness, humility, and compassion for the poor, as well as a strong faith in God,” he said.
Obasanjo humorously noted a key difference: while Plains, Georgia, had a road, his village lacked one, forcing them to walk everywhere or use bicycles.
He also pointed out their shared military backgrounds, recalling how their paths first crossed during his time as a military Head of State. “Had it not been for politics, our paths might never have crossed,” he added.
Obasanjo described Carter as “a righteous man whose impact reached the world,” emphasizing his compassion, love for humanity, and deep faith. He acknowledged Carter’s efforts in securing his release from prison during the regime of General Sani Abacha, calling him a “great and true friend.”
In his sermon, Rev. Israel Akanji, President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, praised Carter’s compassion and commitment to serving others, urging leaders to prioritize the welfare of their people.
Obasanjo concluded his tribute by expressing confidence in a future reunion with Carter in paradise, saying, “He was a lover of humanity and a man of God. I know we shall meet again.”
