Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said he will continue dedicating his life to building peace and helping people, both in Nigeria and around the world.
He made this known on Sunday in Abuja at a special reception held in his honour by a group called “Friends of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.” The event followed his recent recognition with the 2025 Sunhak Global Peace Prize in Seoul, South Korea.
Speaking to guests at the gathering, Jonathan said his goal has always been to touch lives in meaningful ways.
“I wouldn’t say much, but only to thank you and to reassure you that my commitment to peace will continue. I will continue to do my little best until the last day I will live on earth. I believe that’s the only way I can serve God, by serving man,” he said.
The former Nigerian leader recalled how growing up with very little made him more aware of the pain others go through, especially in times of conflict. He shared that he once hesitated to take on national leadership, thinking he could make more impact in his home state of Bayelsa.
“I said, look, Bayelsa is a small state. Let me see what I can do with this small state, whether I can make significant changes, but today here I am,” he noted.
Jonathan expressed gratitude to both the award organisers and those who arranged the reception. “I also appreciate all those who attended this reception. I have listened to the comments from all of you, and I can only say thank you for those good words. They are quite encouraging,” he said.
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who chaired the event, praised Jonathan’s efforts. “You have put in a lot of effort to ensure there is peace in Nigeria, Africa and the world as a whole,” Obi stated, calling the Easter Sunday occasion a fitting time to celebrate someone known for sacrifice.
The chief host, Azibaola Robert, described Jonathan as someone whose actions speak volumes. He said Jonathan’s lifestyle has served as a model for peace and leadership.
Also in attendance was Ambassador Hassan Tukur, who once served as Jonathan’s Principal Private Secretary. He noted that the former president’s peace missions in countries like Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Kenya, and Guinea-Bissau had made a major difference. “Without President Jonathan’s intervention, the peace wouldn’t have been possible,” Tukur said, referencing Jonathan’s role in resolving the Ivorian post-election crisis.
He further recalled how Jonathan personally flew to Mali during a tense conflict and spent hours negotiating peace, something Malians still appreciate.
Former Information Minister Labaran Maku also spoke, describing Jonathan as a rare kind of leader. He recalled how Jonathan peacefully handed over power after the 2015 election, saying, “It is not easy to find in our clan, around this continent, a leader who will say the presidency of a nation is not worth the blood of the citizen.”
The event saw several dignitaries in attendance, including Jonathan’s wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, traditional leaders, former governors, ministers, and other former aides.
Jonathan’s Sunhak Peace Prize, awarded in South Korea on April 11, marks the sixth edition of the honour. He became the first African and third recipient overall to receive this particular global award, which recognises major contributions to peace, human development, and environmental care.
