Nigeria’s former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, has paid tribute to the former United States President, the late Jimmy Carter for his humanitarian services to Nigeria, Africa, and other parts of the world, especially in the eradication of Guinea worm.
He noted that the former President was a beacon of service to humanity, demonstrating to leaders worldwide the profound impact of dedication beyond holding the highest office.
Gowon disclosed this at a press briefing on the life and service of the late Jimmy Carter, in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
According to him, the legacy of the US former 39th President, Jimmy Carter, in tackling challenges faced by the developing world—such as combating diseases, mediating conflicts, and promoting democratic values—is worthy of emulation.
“His love for humanity is one thing. His love for humanity—it’s not just about his desire to be president. When he became president, he knew that his concern would be for the well-being of his people, not so much for himself, but for the good of the people. There are many things I want to say about President Carter: his integrity, his morality, his humanity. These are some of the things that also earned him international accolades. The accolades he received were not for his presidency, but for his humanitarian work.”
The Nigerian former Head of State highlighted the partnership with the Carter Center in combating Guinea worm.
“President Carter asked me in 1998 to join him and also asked several other former heads of state to join him in the fight against this disease. However, by 2008, ten years after, we had succeeded in reducing the Guinea worm disease to just 38 cases. By the following year, we were able to successfully eliminate this disease in Nigeria. In 2009, the Carter Center team in Nigeria, working with the Yakubu Gowon Center, helped us achieve zero cases, instead of the 650,000 we started with in Nigeria.”
Gowon further assured that the humanitarian services of Jimmy Carter would be sustained after his demise.
“The Carter Center, and I received a letter from Jimmy Carter’s son, who is now in charge, have assured us that they will continue this effort. As far as we are concerned, it will continue. There is an MOU between the Carter Center and the Yakubu Gowon Center, and as long as the Yakubu Gowon Center continues, the work will continue. Let me say this: the main office in the Carter Center, which is in Atlanta, will carry on. That relationship with the Carter Center, as well as its contact with various African leaders and their teams, will continue.”
James Earl Carter, popularly known as Jimmy Carter, served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981.
The Late President Carter established the Carter Center to promote and expand human rights, which earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
Born on October 1, 1924 he died on December 29, 2024 at the age of 100 years
He was the longest-lived President in U.S. history and the first to live to 100 years.