- Nigerian officials from Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu states joined the Carter Center to honour Jimmy Carter’s life and work
- A Candlelight Night of Tributes held in Enugu celebrated Carter’s contributions to combating diseases in Nigeria
- Carter Center opened condolence registers across nine Nigerian states in memory of the late former US President
Officials from Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu states, in collaboration with the Carter Center's Enugu office, honour the late former US President Jimmy Carter.
The event, titled Candlelight Night of Tributes, was held on Thursday, January 9. It was a solemn occasion featuring songs, Bible reflections, and a celebration of Carter’s significant contributions to Nigeria.
Nigerians honour Jimmy Carter's legacy in Candlelight Night of Tributes
Dr Lazarus Nweke, Assistant Director of the Carter Center, opened the ceremony by noting that the gathering reflected the deep respect and admiration for Carter, who passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100.
Carter co-founded the Carter Center in 1982 with his late wife, Rosalynn. He was remembered for his remarkable work in global health and humanitarian efforts.
Dr. Nweke pointed out that the Carter Center has supported various health initiatives across nine Nigerian states including Edo, Delta, Imo, Abia, Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi, Plateau, and Nasarawa focusing on diseases such as river blindness, lymphatic filariasis, Schistosomiasis, and soil-transmitted helminthiasis.
Officials praise Carter Center's health initiatives in Nigeria
Dr Nweke noted that since Carter’s passing, the Carter Center Nigeria has been in mourning. He said, “The Center opened a condolence register on 2nd January in each of its nine states of Plateau, Nasarawa, Edo, Delta, Imo, Abia, Enugu, Anambra and Ebonyi where it is currently supporting health programmes such as river blindness, lymphatic filariasis, Schistosomiasis and Soil-transmitted helminthiasis.”
During the event, Dr. Afam Anaeme, the Director of Public Health in Anambra State, praised the Carter Center’s ongoing efforts in Nigeria, particularly for its contributions to health programs.
He highlighted the Center’s role not only in providing essential medicines but also in funding research to tackle diseases impacting communities globally.
Revisiting the impact of Nigeria’s first Olympic medalist Maiyegun
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Nojim Maiyegun passed away at the age of 83, leaving a lasting legacy as a pioneer and inspiration in athletics.
Maiyegun was Nigeria’s first Olympic medalist, won bronze in boxing at the age of 23 in 1964 Tokyo Olympics.