Former Nigerian President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has vowed to continue dedicating his life to the promotion of peace and service to humanity both within Nigeria and across the globe.
He made this commitment on Sunday in Abuja at a reception organized in his honour by the “Friends of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan,” following his recent recognition as the 2025 recipient of the Sunhak Global Peace Prize in Seoul, South Korea.
Jonathan, who received the prestigious award on April 11, was honoured for his consistent efforts in promoting peace, democracy, and conflict resolution across Africa.
He becomes the third global figure and the first African leader to receive the award, following in the footsteps of former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.
Addressing guests at the Abuja reception, Jonathan expressed deep appreciation for the recognition and restated his lifelong mission of promoting peace and uplifting humanity.
He said that, for him, the best way to serve God is through service to fellow human beings. He noted that his personal experiences of hardship while growing up had instilled in him a strong desire to see people live better lives and escape suffering.
He recalled that he was initially reluctant to take up national leadership roles, preferring instead to make impact within his home state of Bayelsa.
He said his ambition was simply to improve the lives of his people, not to rise to power for personal gain.
However, destiny led him to higher responsibilities, and he remains committed to using his influence to foster peace globally.
The event’s chairman and former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, described Jonathan as a statesman whose sacrifices for the nation will never be forgotten.
Obi praised Jonathan for his efforts in maintaining peace in Nigeria and the wider African continent, saying that Easter Sunday, a day symbolizing sacrifice and hope, was a fitting time to celebrate a man who had given so much for the stability of his country.
Chief Host Azibaola Robert, an entrepreneur and Managing Director of Kakatar Group, highlighted Jonathan’s passion for peace and commended his legacy as a leader who continues to inspire others through humility and wisdom. He said Jonathan had become a global icon, not only to Bayelsa State but to Nigeria and the world.
Ambassador Hassan Tukur, former Principal Private Secretary to the former president, described the Sunhak Peace Prize as a well-deserved recognition.
He recounted Jonathan’s instrumental role in restoring peace in countries like Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Mali, and Guinea-Bissau during his tenure and even after leaving office.
Tukur cited Jonathan’s courageous decision to personally travel to crisis-hit Mali during unrest, spending over 12 hours negotiating peace—an effort still remembered by the Malian people today.
He further recalled how Jonathan played a vital role in resolving the post-election conflict in Côte d’Ivoire, leading ECOWAS, the African Union, and the United Nations to restore peace in the region. Tukur emphasized that Jonathan’s work through the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation continues to promote peace and democracy throughout Africa.
Former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, praised Jonathan as a patriot and national transformer. He noted that Jonathan’s peaceful conduct during the 2015 elections, especially his historic decision to concede defeat without contesting the outcome, demonstrated a rare level of statesmanship and selflessness.
According to Maku, Jonathan’s statement that “no ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian” remains a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic history.
Among the dignitaries at the reception were Dame Patience Jonathan, King Amalate Turner of Oloibiri Kingdom in Bayelsa State, and Olori Opeoluwa Ogunwusi, wife of the Ooni of Ife, who conducted the toast. Also in attendance were several former aides, governors, ministers, and supporters of the former president.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Jonathan was honoured for his outstanding contributions to peace, mediation, and democratic leadership on the African continent.
The Sunhak Peace Prize, established in 2015, recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to global peace, human development, and ecological sustainability.
Jonathan’s recognition further cements his legacy as one of Africa’s most respected voices for peace and good governance.