Goodluck E. Jonathan

I was pleased to have attended the annual event and award ceremony of the Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria (ARCAN) in Abuja. The occasion recognised distinguished leaders whose foresight, statesmanship and diplomacy were instrumental in establishing ECOWAS. I congratulated former Head of State, H. E. General Yakubu Gowon, who was honoured for the statesmanship that birthed our regional union. The ceremony also paid posthumous tribute to the late General Gnassingbé Eyadéma, former President of Togo, for his shared role in architecting an integrated West Africa. I commend ARCAN for safeguarding our diplomatic legacy and urge them to continue working toward our shared prosperity and regional stability through a deeper sense of service and responsibility for our sub-region. -GEJ

Today in Abuja, I attended the national convening and launch of the report, “Strengthening the Nexus between Democracy and Economic Growth in Nigeria,” a study by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). The findings challenge us to rethink old assumptions, strengthen institutions, and align democratic processes with sound economic policies. Our path forward is not a choice between democracy and development; they must be mutually reinforcing. A strong democracy must create the conditions for growth, just as inclusive growth must sustain democracy. This is the vision we must pursue at this stage of our national journey. My thanks to senior government officials, development partners, guests and participants for your presence and shared commitment to Nigeria’s progress. -GEJ

EASTER MESSAGE 2026 Happy Easter to Christians in Nigeria and around the world. As we commemorate the death and resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, let us reflect on God's boundless love for mankind and His gifts of redemption and salvation. The death of Christ on the cross and His resurrection from the grave are the bedrock of the Christian faith. It is a victory over death and a message of hope for all believers. Easter speaks to us about faith, sacrifice and service.These are not just Christian virtues; they are the values that hold a nation together. To all citizens, I urge us all to be steadfast in hope and faith in our nation.  Our country currently faces many challenges. We have been through hard times before, and we came through. Do not give up. Keep faith with Nigeria. To our leaders at every level, let us draw inspiration from the life of Christ. He had everything and gave it all. True leadership demands that we live above personal interest and serve with sacrifice, humility, and sincerity. This way, we can build a peaceful and prosperous country. Happy Easter and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. -GEJ

In Abuja today, I joined distinguished guests for a book launch celebrating Otunba Gbenga Daniel ahead of his 70th birthday. The four books, featuring both his personal reflections and external perspectives, offer a unique insight into his impact on Nigeria's political growth and development. My congratulations to Sen. Daniel on this milestone and his enduring legacy of leadership. -GEJ

Eid-el-Kabir Message I congratulate the Muslim Ummah on the blessed occasion of Eid-el-Kabir. This festival is a powerful reminder of faith, sacrifice, and devotion to God, values that inspire hope and strengthen our shared humanity. As Muslims around the world reflect on the spirit of obedience and generosity, let us as a nation draw from these virtues to deepen unity, show compassion, and build bridges of brotherhood. I call on all Nigerians to embrace the lessons of Eid by working together for peace, progress, and prosperity. #EidMubarak to our Muslim brothers and sisters. -GEJ

Former President @GEJonathan & @DrPaulEnenche, Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, pictured together in Yenagoa. The Pastor visited the former President on Tuesday while in Bayelsa for his church’s crusade. A great moment of prayer and fellowship.

This morning, I had the pleasure of receiving the new Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency, Pastor Peter Akpe, PhD, at my residence in Yenagoa. He paid a courtesy visit following his recent appointment and assumption of office. I commend him for this thoughtful gesture and wish him every success as he serves the good people of Bayelsa State. -GEJ

2026 NEW YEAR MESSAGE I extend warm New Year greetings to my fellow Nigerians and to our friends across the world. As we enter 2026, we give thanks to God for the gift of life and for the privilege of a new beginning. The turning of the year invites hope and reflection, and it is with both that we welcome this moment. The period behind us has not been without its trials. As a nation and as individuals, we have confronted economic pressures and persistent insecurity; challenges that have tested our resilience and, for many families, brought hardship and loss. These experiences remind us of the responsibility we bear toward one another and the importance of people-oriented leadership. Yet, even in these difficult circumstances, the enduring character of the Nigerian people has remained evident. Across our communities, we have continued to see courage, solidarity, and a quiet determination to persevere. Our shared values, our diversity, and our collective belief in a better tomorrow have sustained us through uncertainty. This spirit of resilience is one of our nation’s greatest strengths. It is the foundation upon which unity, peace, and lasting progress must continue to be built. As we move forward into 2026, let us renew our commitment to the ideals that bind us together as one people. Patriotism must be matched with a renewed sense of duty by citizens and leaders alike. Leadership at all levels must be anchored in service, guided by humility, integrity, and a sincere commitment to the welfare of the people. It is through shared responsibility, mutual respect, and steadfast dedication to the national interest that Nigeria can continue on the path toward stability and inclusive development. I wish you and your families a peaceful, healthy, and fulfilling year ahead, and I pray that our nation advances steadily toward unity, justice, and shared prosperity. -GEJ

2025 Christmas Message Compliments of the Season to Nigerians and friends around the world. Christmas marks the birth of Jesus Christ, whose coming affirmed God’s promise of redemption, hope, and peace for all humanity. It is a season that reminds Christians of the power of faith, humility, and selfless service, and of the enduring light that shines even in times of uncertainty. As a nation, we reflect on these values at a moment when many Nigerians are facing economic and social challenges. Christmas calls us not to surrender to despair, but to hold firmly to hope and to the belief that renewal is possible. The history of faith teaches us that hope is most powerful when it is tested. Just as the birth of Christ brought a new dawn to a world in search of direction, our collective faith and resilience will see us triumph over our present trials. This season also calls us to peace and unity. Nigeria’s strength lies in our shared humanity and our willingness to live with compassion, mutual respect, and responsibility toward one another. Let us use this moment to reaffirm our commitment to national cohesion and to actions that promote understanding and goodwill. Merry Christmas. -GEJ

I was delighted to join the families and friends of Arc. Harcourt Adukeh and Mr. Olufemi Babalola in Lagos on Friday to witness the beautiful traditional marriage ceremony of their children, Teite Dezire and Boluwatito Temilola. I wish Teite and Bolu a lifetime of happiness, peace, and abundant blessings as they begin this beautiful journey together. -GEJ

Today in Abuja, I attended the 13th Convocation Ceremony of Nile University, where I urged the graduating students to uphold the highest standards of moral conduct and to use the knowledge they have acquired to contribute meaningfully to the progress of our society. I extend my sincere appreciation to the management of Nile University for conferring on me the Honorary Doctor of Philosophy (Political Science). I wish the university continued success in its mission to positively impact society through the provision of quality education. -GEJ

We visited some polling centres today in Abidjan as Ivorians stepped out to cast their ballots for the candidates of their choice in the country's October 25, 2025 Presidential election. As the electoral process continues, we the members of the West African Elders Forum (@TheWAEF) Election Mission, urge all stakeholders in Cote d’Ivoire, including the electoral commission, political actors, voters, security agencies, and the media, to uphold peace, respect due process, and place national unity above all interests. Democracy thrives where dialogue, patience, and mutual respect prevail. Let us continue to show the world the strength and maturity of Côte d’Ivoire’s democratic spirit. -GEJ

I arrived in Abidjan this afternoon with other members of the West African Elders Forum (@TheWAEF) Election Mission, ahead of Côte d'Ivoire’s presidential election scheduled for Saturday October 25, 2025. We look forward to fruitful engagements with stakeholders in solidarity with the people of the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire, in line with WAEF's mission of supporting efforts toward peaceful, credible, and inclusive electoral processes in the subregion. -GEJ

It was a pleasure to attend the wedding ceremony of my grand-niece, Imorataria, and her husband, Kehinde. I congratulate the couple and wish them a lifetime of peace, joy, and enduring love as they begin this new chapter together. -GEJ

ADIEU H.E. RAILA ODINGA I am saddened by the news of the passing of H.E. Raila Odinga, former Prime Minister of Kenya and a distinguished African statesman whose life symbolised resilience, courage, and democratic struggle in Africa. Kenya has lost a patriot and our continent has lost a great leader, one that understood that leadership is not about self, but about service; who believed and looked forward to Africa's greatness and ascendancy. I honour him not just as a brother in the cause of democracy, but as a committed pan-Africanist whose light will continue to shine. May history remember him kindly, and may Africa continue to be blessed by his hope, wisdom and sacrifice. -GEJ

Pleased to have, joined my dear brother, H.E Arc. Mohammed Namadi Sambo GCON, former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other well-wishers at his turbanning as the Sardaunan Zazzau by HRH Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli Emir of Zazzau, at the Emir's Palace in the historic city of Zaria. May this new role further deepen your bond with your people and your steadfast dedication to the peace, progress and development of our country. -GEJ

Currently in Bissau where, as members, of the West Afeican Elders Forum (@TheWAEF) Pre-election Mission to the Republic of Guinea Bissau, we have held consultations with a wide range of stakeholders including President Umaro Sissoco, Interior Minister Botche Cande, members of the National Electoral Commission, President and other Justices of the supreme court as well as members of the civil society. We are pleased to have received valuable briefing on the level of preparations for the scheduled elections by different bodies. Ahead of the November 23, 2025 scheduled polling, we are hopeful that the concerned authorities will take the necessary measures, in line with the laws of the country, to ensure a transparent, inclusive and credible presidential and legislative elections. -GEJ

Today, our nation marks another significant milestone in its journey to nationhood. As we celebrate 65 years of independence from colonial rule, this moment offers us an opportunity to reflect on our collective journey of nation-building; on the challenges we have faced, and on the vast possibilities that still lie ahead. It is true that we face challenges that could test our sense of hope; insecurity, economic disparities and institutions that often struggle to deliver on the promises of improved wellbeing, peace and security. Yet, as citizens, we must not lose faith. We must continue to nurture hope and sustain belief in the nation’s enormous potential and the resilience of the people. Nigeria is a blessed nation, endowed with vast land, abundant natural resources, and, above all, the ingenuity and creativity of the people. Our cultural richness, our knowledge, and our wisdom have continued to distinguish Nigerians across every sphere of human endeavor, both at home and abroad. As we look to the future, let patriotism guide our actions. Let us hold firmly to optimism and faith, knowing that the greatness of our country is within reach if we remain united and steadfast. May our nation continue to rise in strength and purpose. -GEJ