The former United States President Jimmy Carter, hitherto the oldest-living former leader of the country, yesterday passed on at the age of 100.
The Carter Center said the 39th US president died in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by his family, while the White House had been notified of the passing. Carter had been in home hospice care since February 2023 after a series of short hospital stays.
He became the oldest living former president when he surpassed the record held by the late George H.W. Bush in March 2019. Carter, a Democrat, served a single term from 1977 to 1981, losing a reelection bid to Ronald Reagan.
Extending his condolences to the government and people of the United States of America on Monday, President Bola Tinubu said “President Carter showed us all how to remain relevant and impactful after leaving the esteemed position of President of the United States,” remarked President Tinubu.
“He tackled the challenges the developing world faced, from combating diseases to mediating conflicts and promoting democratic values. He exemplified grace, dignity and a profound respect for humanity,” Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said in a State House release.
“President Carter, the 39th President of the United States, was a beacon of service to humanity, demonstrating to leaders worldwide the profound impact of dedication beyond the highest office.
“As a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and global statesman, President Carter devoted his post-presidential life to the causes of peace, democracy, and the eradication of tropical diseases. His unwavering commitment to these noble pursuits has left an indelible mark on the world.
“President Tinubu fondly recalls President Carter as a trustworthy and compassionate friend to Nigeria. He lauds Carter’s significant contributions through The Carter Centre, particularly his efforts in eradicating Guinea worm disease and river blindness in Nigeria, which have significantly improved the lives of many Nigerians,” the statement partly read.
Reflecting on Nigeria-U.S. relations, Tinubu recalls Carter’s historic visit to Nigeria in March 1978 and his three-day stay at the State House in Marina, Lagos State. Under Carter’s leadership, this visit marked a pivotal moment in US foreign policy. It laid the groundwork for a pragmatic relationship between the United States and Africa, with Nigeria at its heart.
“President Tinubu expresses hope that President Carter’s legacy of decency, character, and humanity, both in and out of office, will continue to inspire Americans and leaders worldwide to embrace the true essence of leadership,” it added.
