Family members, friends, political leaders and admirers of former President Goodluck Jonathan recently gathered in Abuja to celebrate him as the recipient of the prestigious Sunhak Global Peace Prize Award as well as his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, who was recently decorated with the Global Women’s Peace Ambassador Award by the Women’s Federation for World Peace International (WFWPI).

At the event, several participants took turn to pay glowing tributes to Jonathan’s legacy as a statesman and peacemaker. In his remarks, Jonathan described the award as humbling and expressed deep gratitude to Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, co-founder of the Sunhak Global Peace Prize, for the global recognition.

Despite his humility, the former president acknowledged the emotional weight that comes with witnessing the hardship many Nigerians continue to face.

“If I had the means, I would have made sure no Nigerian suffers. But it’s not that easy. It’s not possible – even for a president.” He added that while he initially hesitated to accept higher political roles, preferring to focus on Bayelsa, his home state, he eventually embraced the calling and responsibilities of national service.

“I wanted to focus on Bayelsa, a small state, and see what I could do there. But here I’m today.”

I will continue to do my little best until the last day I live on earth.” Jonathan, famous for his landmark quote in the run-up to the 2015 presidential election: “My ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian”, reiterated that his lifelong mission remains peace-building, saying it is the truest way he believes one can serve God.

In awarding him the Sunhak Global Peace Prize in Seoul, South Korea, the organisers cited his conflict resolution efforts across Africa and his post-presidency dedication to democratic stability and good governance.

Speakers at the ceremony highlighted defining moments in Jonathan’s presidency that showcased his character and principles. Hassan Tukur, who served as Jonathan’s Principal Secretary, shared vivid anecdotes of the president’s foreign peace missions – leading ECOWAS to enforce peace in Côte d’Ivoire, standing firm during a coup in Guinea-Bissau, and mediating between warring political rivals in Kenya and Mali.

“He went to Mali in the middle of the night and negotiated peace. In Guinea-Bissau, he issued a 24-hour ultimatum to save the president and prime minister from execution. He led from the front and always chose diplomacy over force,” Tukur recalled.

Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate and chairman of the occasion, described Jonathan as the embodiment of the Easter spirit – a man of hope and sacrifice.

Former Information Minister, Labaran Maku echoed similar sentiments, calling Jonathan a “transformer” and a “national treasure.”
“All Nigerians are delighted with this award. He has been a tireless advocate for peace and national transformation. That famous line – ‘my ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian’ – wasn’t just words; it was a defining moment,” Maku said.

The host and convener of the event, Chief Azibaola Robert, said the private reception was a chance for friends and admirers to come together and celebrate a man whose modesty often overshadows his achievements.

“We felt we should gather as friends to say ‘thank you’ to someone who has consistently made us proud – both in office and outside it.”
The Sunhak Global Peace Prize is awarded biennially in South Korea to individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to peace-building, sustainable development, and environmental conservation.

It was founded to uphold the legacy of Rev. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, with a focus on fostering a global culture of cooperation and dialogue.

Jonathan joins other distinguished global figures who have received the award for efforts in resolving conflict and championing human dignity.