Former President Goodluck Jonathan has vowed to dedicate the rest of his life to promoting peace and serving humanity, both in Nigeria and beyond.
Speaking in Abuja on Sunday, April 20, at a reception held in his honour by the “Friends of Dr Goodluck Jonathan”, the former president reflected on his lifelong desire to impact lives and foster peace.
The event followed his recent recognition with the 2025 Sunhak Global Peace Prize in Seoul, South Korea.
“I wouldn’t say much, but only to thank you and to reassure you that my commitment to peace will continue,” Jonathan said.
“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 recalled his challenging childhood and said it has shaped his empathy for the suffering of others.
“That has been my fear, and that was why I was very reluctant when I was approached to come to the centre, to be a vice president,” Jonathan said.
“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.”
Expressing gratitude for the international honour, he added, “I never expected it.” He also thanked the organisers of the Abuja reception, noting, “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.”
The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who chaired the event, praised Jonathan’s contribution to democracy and peace.
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“There is no special day to celebrate this award than today Easter day which is a day of sacrifice. We will continue to celebrate you for the sacrifice you made for this country to be at peace,” Obi said. “You have put in a lot of efforts to ensure there is peace in Nigeria, Africa and the world as a whole.”
Azibaola Robert, entrepreneur and Chief Host, described the event as a tribute to Jonathan’s lifestyle and legacy.
“Every day there is a new lesson to gain from his presence,” said Robert. “He is a God-sent not only to his Bayelsa people but to Nigeria and the rest of the world.”
Former Principal Private Secretary to Jonathan, Amb. Hassan Tukur, also described the Sunhak Peace Prize as well-deserved, citing Jonathan’s interventions in Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Guinea-Bissau, and Mali.
“Without President Jonathan’s intervention, the peace wouldn’t have been possible,” Tukur said, referring to the 2010 Côte d’Ivoire crisis. “He saved life, he saved people, and he saved the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire.”
He recalled Jonathan’s 12-hour negotiations in crisis-hit Mali and praised his continued work through the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation.
“This honour is not only to former president Jonathan and his family, but to Nigerians and the country,” Tukur said. “He is a humanist. He is a man of peace. He is a man of integrity. And he is a man of foresight.”
Former Information Minister Labaran Maku called Jonathan a patriot and transformer.
“It is not easy to find in our clan, around this continent, a leader that will say the presidency of a nation is not worth the blood of the citizen,” said Maku. “That statement was epochal and it stood him up. In 2015, he made a national sacrifice, he refused the fight.”
Also in attendance were Dame Patience Jonathan, King Amalate Turner of Oloibiri Kingdom, Olori Opeoluwa Ogunwusi, former aides, ex-governors, and ministers.
The Sunhak Peace Prize Foundation, based in Seoul, awarded Jonathan its 2025 edition for his consistent peace efforts and pro-democracy advocacy.
He became the first African and third global recipient in the category, joining former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.