President Tinubu Mourns Jimmy Carter, First US President to Visit Nigeria
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has joined the global community in mourning the passing of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100.
In a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to Tinubu on Information & Strategy, the President expressed his condolences to the American people, highlighting Carter’s exceptional legacy as a “beacon of service to humanity.”
Reflecting on Carter’s post-presidential accomplishments, Tinubu remarked, “President Carter showed us all how to remain relevant and impactful after leaving the esteemed position of President of the United States.”
The President praised Carter for his unwavering dedication to peace, democracy, and the eradication of tropical diseases, which earned him a Nobel Peace Prize and the admiration of leaders worldwide.
Tinubu acknowledged Carter’s significant contributions to Nigeria, particularly through The Carter Center’s efforts to eradicate Guinea worm disease and river blindness.
“He tackled the challenges the developing world faced, from combating diseases to mediating conflicts and promoting democratic values. He exemplified grace, dignity, and a profound respect for humanity,” Tinubu noted.
Also Read: James Carter, Longest-lived US President and Nobel Laureate, Dies at 100
Recalling Carter’s historic visit to Nigeria in March 1978, Tinubu fondly remembered the former U.S. President’s three-day stay at the State House in Marina, Lagos. The visit, where Carter met with the then-President Olusegun Obasanjo, marked the first state visit by a U.S. President not only to Nigeria but to sub-Saharan Africa.
According to the statement, this visit “marked a pivotal moment in U.S.-Africa relations, placing Nigeria at the center of a pragmatic partnership with the United States.”
As the world reflects on Carter’s legacy, Tinubu expressed hope that his life’s work would inspire leaders globally to embrace “decency, character, and humanity both in and out of office.”
Other world leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, Emmanuel Macron of France, King Charles III, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, have also tendered their tributes to Carter.
