Former President Goodluck Jonathan has reaffirmed his dedication to promoting peace and serving humanity, both within Nigeria and across the globe. He made this commitment during a reception held on Sunday in Abuja, organized by the “Friends of Dr Goodluck Jonathan” in honour of his receipt of the prestigious 2025 Sunhak Global Peace Prize Award in Seoul, South Korea.
Speaking at the event, Jonathan expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing that impacting lives and fostering peace has always been his lifelong mission.
“I wouldn’t say much, but only to thank you and reassure you that my commitment to peace will continue. I will continue to do my little best until the last day I live on earth. I believe that’s the only way I can serve God, by serving man,” Jonathan stated.
Reflecting on his early life struggles and humble background, Jonathan noted that his experiences have fueled his desire to alleviate suffering and prevent crises among people and nations. He recounted his initial reluctance to accept a higher political role when he was approached to serve as Vice President, explaining that he had wanted to focus on developing Bayelsa, a small state, before being thrust into national leadership.
Expressing his appreciation to the Sunhak Global Peace Prize Foundation for the honour, Jonathan admitted he had not anticipated such global recognition. He also thanked the organisers of the reception for the gesture, despite initially declining the offer of a celebration.
In attendance at the event was Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, who chaired the occasion. Obi commended Jonathan’s sacrifices for Nigeria’s peace and democratic growth, highlighting the appropriateness of celebrating him on Easter Sunday, a day symbolizing sacrifice and hope.
“There is no better day to celebrate this award than today, Easter Day. We will continue to celebrate you for the sacrifices you made to keep Nigeria peaceful. You have greatly contributed to ensuring peace not only in Nigeria but across Africa and the world,” Obi said.
The Chief Host, Azibaola Robert, Managing Director of Kakatar Group, lauded Jonathan’s passion for peace, describing him as a statesman whose impact and character have left an indelible mark, not just on Nigeria but globally. He hailed Jonathan as a divine gift to the people of Bayelsa, Nigeria, and the wider world.
Ambassador Hassan Tukur, a former Principal Private Secretary to Jonathan, recalled the former president’s decisive interventions during crises in countries like Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, and Guinea-Bissau. He praised Jonathan’s leadership in leading ECOWAS, AU, and UN efforts that helped restore peace after the disputed 2010 Côte d’Ivoire elections, and his personal involvement in Mali’s political crisis.
Tukur emphasized that Jonathan’s consistent mediation efforts, both during and after his presidency, including through the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, have significantly contributed to peace in the region.
“This honour is not just for President Jonathan but for all Nigerians. He is a humanist, a man of peace, integrity, and foresight,” Tukur said.
Former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, also paid tribute to Jonathan, describing him as a patriot and a transformative leader. Maku recalled Jonathan’s historic decision to peacefully concede defeat in the 2015 presidential elections, setting a new precedent in Nigeria’s democratic history.
“It is rare in Africa to find a leader who declares that the presidency is not worth the blood of the citizens. His peaceful concession was a national sacrifice that will forever be remembered,” Maku said.
The event drew a host of dignitaries, including Dame Patience Jonathan; King Amalate Turner, the paramount ruler of the Oloibiri Kingdom in Bayelsa State; Olori Opeoluwa Ogunwusi, wife of the Ooni of Ife, who led the toast; as well as former aides, governors, and ministers who worked with Jonathan.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Jonathan received the sixth edition of the Sunhak Peace Prize on April 11, 2025, becoming the first African leader to win the award, following in the footsteps of former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.
The Sunhak Peace Prize, established in 2015, is awarded biennially to individuals and organizations that have made exceptional contributions to global peace and sustainable development. Jonathan’s recognition was based on his unwavering commitment to democracy, conflict resolution, and peace-building efforts across Africa.
