
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Sunday organised a funeral service in memory of late former President of the United States, Jimmy Carter at the Chapel of Christ the Glorious King in Abeokuta.
The funeral service was attended by the former president, his family members, friends, and associates.
Carter died on December 29 at the age of 100.
Speaking at the event, Obasanjo explained that the service was in memory of the life and times of Carter and his selfless service to humanity through his Carter Centre.
The former Nigeria President said that the late United States of America President, and himself would meet again in Paradise.
Obasanjo in his tribute at Chapel of Christ The Glorious King, within the precinct of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, in Abeokuta, said he would miss his true friend.
In his tribute titled “Jimmy Carter: The Departure Of A Titan”, disclosed what the late Carter and himself shared in common.
He said “In terms of early life background, I shared similarity with President Jimmy Carter.
” 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 State.
“He grew up under a father and mother who were disciplinarians, who instilled in him the essence of discipline, morality, hard work, integrity, kindness and humility, compassion for the poor and strong belief in God.
” 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 Jimmy Carter was growing there.
“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.
“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,” he said.
Obasanjo said he would miss Carter, “a great and true friend but I know we shall meet again in Paradise.”
” But why should I decide to have a service in memory of an American president who lived and died almost 5,000 miles away?
” It is because he was a great world leader, he was a righteous man whose righteousness spread over the whole world.
” He was a lover of humanity, a man of God; and he was a great and true friend of mine,” Obasanjo stated.
Obasanjo also recalled how Carter stuck out his neck to save his life by seeking his release from prison under the late Head of State, General SanniIn his sermon at the memorial service , the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Israel Akanji said the late president did not allow his humble background to leave him till he died.
Akanji described Carter as a compassionate person,who believed in the philosophy of “What is mine is yours if you need”.
The president of the Baptist Convention, therefore, called on leaders to be compassionate and not to fold their arms and feel unconcerned about welfare of the people.