Former President Goodluck Jonathan has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to peacebuilding and humanitarian service, both within Nigeria and around the world.
Speaking on Sunday in Abuja at a reception organised by the “Friends of Dr Goodluck Jonathan,” the former president was celebrated following his receipt of the 2025 Sunhak Global Peace Prize in Seoul, South Korea.
Addressing attendees, Jonathan reflected on his long-held desire to contribute positively to the lives of others and to foster peace wherever possible.
“I won’t say much, but I do want to thank you and to assure you that I remain dedicated to peace. I will continue to give what I can, no matter how modest, until the very end of my life. I believe serving others is the truest way to serve God,” he said.
Jonathan, who rose from humble beginnings, spoke openly about the hardships he experienced in childhood, noting that these early struggles instilled in him a deep empathy for others. He said witnessing suffering—whether individual or national—has always pained him, and that he remains committed to alleviating it.
“That’s always been my concern, and it was the reason I hesitated when asked to move to the national stage as Vice President,” he recalled. “Bayelsa is a relatively small state. I wanted to see what meaningful changes I could make there first. But here I am today.”
The former president expressed gratitude to the Sunhak Peace Prize Foundation for selecting him for the honour, describing the award as wholly unexpected. He also thanked those who organised and attended the Abuja reception, despite initially declining to be celebrated in this way.
“I’m truly grateful for the recognition and to all of you who came here today. Your kind words are heartening and encouraging,” he said.
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, chaired the event and described Jonathan as a figure of hope for Nigerian democracy. Obi remarked that Easter Sunday was a fitting day to honour such a man, as both symbolise sacrifice.
“There could be no better day to celebrate this award,” Obi said. “You have made immense sacrifices to ensure peace in Nigeria, Africa, and the wider world. We will continue to honour you for that.”
Azibaola Robert, Chief Host of the reception and Managing Director of the Kakatar Group, praised Jonathan’s unwavering passion for peace. He said the gathering was a tribute to the character Jonathan has shown throughout his life in public service.
“Dr Jonathan has set a moral and ethical standard that is not easy to follow. Every day, there is something new to learn from his conduct. He is not just a blessing to Bayelsa, but to Nigeria and the world at large,” Robert said.
Ambassador Hassan Tukur, who once served as Jonathan’s Principal Private Secretary, described the Sunhak award as richly deserved. He cited several examples of the former president’s peacemaking interventions during and after his tenure in office.
“In Côte d’Ivoire, he was instrumental in resolving the post-election crisis that followed the disputed 2010 presidential run-off between Laurent Gbagbo and Alassane Ouattara,” Tukur said. “Without his efforts, peace may not have returned to the country. He helped save lives and stabilised the republic.”
Tukur recalled that Jonathan, as the only sitting African head of state to visit Mali during its own political crisis, spent 12 hours negotiating directly with opposing parties.
“To this day, the people of Mali remain grateful. He was the only president who came to them at the height of their troubles and sought practical solutions,” he said.
Tukur also spoke of Jonathan’s intervention in Kenya and the ongoing work of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation to foster peace throughout West Africa.
“This award does not only honour President Jonathan and his family—it is a recognition that belongs to all Nigerians. He is a man of compassion, vision, and integrity,” he added.
Former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, lauded Jonathan as a patriot and a reformer whose legacy continues to inspire.
“This award is a moment of national pride. Throughout his years in office, both as Governor of Bayelsa and as President of Nigeria, Jonathan upheld the values of peace and nation-building,” Maku said.
He recalled Jonathan’s now-historic decision in 2015 to concede electoral defeat and avoid any legal challenge, despite being the incumbent.
“His words then—that no one’s ambition is worth the blood of a single Nigerian—were profound. That moment set him apart. It was the first time a sitting Nigerian president would lose an election and refuse to contest the result in court. That act alone reshaped our political culture.”
Maku expressed hope that the honour from South Korea would inspire deeper commitment to peace across Nigeria’s communities.
Among those present at the reception were Dame Patience Jonathan; King Amalate Turner, paramount ruler of the Oloibiri Kingdom in Bayelsa; and Olori Opeoluwa Ogunwusi, wife of the Ooni of Ife, who led the ceremonial toast.
Also in attendance were former aides, governors, ministers, and other political figures who served with or under Jonathan during his time in office.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Jonathan received the sixth edition of the Sunhak Peace Prize during a ceremony on 11 April in Seoul. He is the first African leader to receive the award, joining a distinguished list that includes former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.
Jonathan was recognised for his consistent efforts in mediation and democratic advocacy across Africa, especially through his leadership in ECOWAS, the African Union, and the United Nations.
Founded in 2015, the Sunhak Peace Prize is a biennial award that honours individuals and organisations who have made significant contributions to global peace, sustainable development, conflict resolution, and environmental conservation.
