Jimmy Carter's efforts to advocate for my release from prison were significant, as noted by Obasanjo regarding his bold approach in persuading Abacha.

Former Nigerian President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo reflected on Sunday about the pivotal role that the late U.S. President Jimmy Carter played in his life, particularly in advocating for his release from prison during the regime of General Sani Abacha.

During a memorial service at the Chapel of Christ the Glorious King in Abeokuta, Obasanjo shared his thoughts on the parallels between his own life and that of the late Carter, who served as President of the United States.

Accompanied by family, friends, and colleagues, Obasanjo honored Carter, who died on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100.

The service celebrated Carter's life and his commitment to public service, especially through the initiatives of the ‘Carter Centre’.

In his tribute, titled ‘Jimmy Carter: The Departure Of A Titan’, Obasanjo underscored various similarities in their life journeys, particularly their shared formative experiences.

“In terms of early life background, I shared similarity with President Jimmy Carter,” Obasanjo stated.

He continued, “He was born into a farming family in Plains, Georgia, and I was born into a farming family in the rural village of Ibogun-Olaogun in Ogun.”

Obasanjo observed that both individuals were brought up by strict parents who imparted essential values, including morality, diligence, integrity, kindness, humility, and compassion for those in need.

“My parents inculcated similar attributes in me as I was growing up in a rural area that had no pipe water, no electricity just as it was in Plains, Georgia, while Carter was growing there,” he explained.

Obasanjo humorously highlighted a distinction, stating, “He beat me, though, in one respect, there was a road to his settlement, there was no road to my village. We walked to every place or, at best, we were carried on bicycles.”

He also reflected on their common military history, recalling their initial encounter during his tenure as Nigeria’s military Head of State.

“President Carter had a military background which I had, and in fact, we met when I was a military Head of State. But if not that we were both in politics, our paths may not have crossed,” Obasanjo remarked.

In expressing his sorrow over the loss, Obasanjo stated, “I will miss Carter, a great and true friend, but I know we shall meet again in paradise.”

Obasanjo elaborated that despite the nearly 5,000-mile distance, the memorial service honored a world leader of extraordinary integrity and compassion.

“He was a righteous man whose righteousness spread over the whole world,” Obasanjo remarked. “He was a lover of humanity, a man of God; and he was a great and true friend of mine.”

Obasanjo also reminisced about Carter’s significant influence in advocating for his release from imprisonment during the regime of the late General Abacha.

“Carter stuck out his neck to save my life by seeking my release from prison,” he said.

During the sermon, Rev. Israel Akanji, President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, spoke about Carter’s enduring humility and compassion that characterized his life.

“Carter believed in the philosophy of ‘What is mine is yours if you need’,”  Akanji said, encouraging leaders to show compassion and take proactive steps to enhance the welfare of their citizens.