Former President Goodluck Jonathan has credited his lifelong dedication to peace and humanitarian efforts to the struggles he faced growing up.
Speaking at a reception held in Abuja and organized by the “Friends of Dr Goodluck Jonathan” to honor his recent 2025 Sunhak Global Peace Prize, Jonathan emphasized that empathy and compassion have always guided his public life.
“My commitment to peace will continue until my last day on earth. That’s how I serve God by serving man,” he told the audience.
Reflecting on his political journey, Jonathan shared that he never initially aspired to national leadership, intending only to effect change within his home state, Bayelsa.
“I said let me focus on Bayelsa and try to make changes in a small space. But here I am today,” he said.
The event was chaired by Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, who commended Jonathan for his unwavering dedication to peace in Nigeria, Africa, and the wider world.
“There’s no better day to celebrate peace than Easter. Nigeria will always remember your selfless acts,” Obi remarked.
Chief host Robert Azibaola, Jonathan’s cousin and Managing Director of Kakatar Group, described him as a symbol of peace and integrity whose legacy continues to inspire future generations.
Ambassador Hassan Tukur, Jonathan’s former Principal Private Secretary, highlighted the ex-president’s diplomatic contributions across Africa, including mediation efforts in Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Guinea-Bissau, and Kenya. Tukur noted Jonathan’s vital role in resolving Côte d’Ivoire’s post-election crisis in 2010.
Former Minister of Information Labaran Maku also praised Jonathan’s legacy, especially his landmark decision to peacefully concede the 2015 presidential election.
“He said, ‘My presidency is not worth the blood of any Nigerian.’ That statement alone defined his legacy,” Maku said.
Among those in attendance were Dame Patience Jonathan, King Amalate Turner of the Oloibiri Kingdom, Olori Opeoluwa Ogunwusi, and several former governors and ministers.
Jonathan was awarded the sixth Sunhak Peace Prize in Seoul, South Korea, on April 11, becoming the first African leader to receive the honor.
The prize, established in 2015, recognizes exceptional contributions to peace and human development. Previous laureates include former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.
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