By Abiola Olawale
A former Nigerian President as well as a former military Head of State, Olusegun Obasanjo has paid tribute to the late United States President Jimmy Carter, highlighting his legacy as one of humility and significant public service.
Obasanjo described Carter as a great leader who understood the essence of power and chose not to use it arrogantly and oppressively.
The former president made this known during an interview session with Arise TV on Monday. He stated: “I have very fond memories about Jimmy Carter. He exercised patience and subtle diplomacy.”
Obasanjo also commended Carter for his diplomatic achievements, notably in bringing Israel and Egypt together to end their feud, which contributed to his enduring legacy in international relations.
Obasanjo underlined Carter’s humility, mentioning an instance where Carter opted for business class over first-class travel despite his former presidential status, showcasing his down-to-earth nature even after his term ended.
“He was a man of humility. He had the power, but he did not depend on the power that he had to achieve what he had to achieve,” he stated.
It would be recalled that Carter, who served as the 39th president of the United States from 1977 to 1981, passed away on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at the age of 100 years.
His death followed a period of health challenges, including his entry into hospice care in February 2023 after a series of hospital stays.
The New Diplomat reports that Jimmy Carter, was born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, was the longest surviving former United States President.
Born into a family with deep roots in Georgia, Carter grew up in a small farming town. He attended Georgia Southwestern College, and Georgia Institute of Technology and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1946.
He served in the US Navy, including in the submarine service, before returning to Georgia after his father’s death in 1953.
