Former Nigerian President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Founder’s Sunhak Peace Prize for his tireless efforts in promoting peace and democracy, particularly through his leadership in the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, West African Elders Forum, and International Summit Council for Peace.
The award ceremony took place in Seoul, South Korea, where Jonathan expressed gratitude, saying, “Hugely grateful for the Founder’s Sunhak Peace Prize that was presented to me today, at an official ceremony in Seoul, South Korea. This honour belongs to every Nigerian who believes in the possibility of peace and to every African working selflessly for the progress and advancement of our continent.”
Jonathan becomes the first African leader to receive this honor, joining past winners like former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen. The Sunhak Peace Prize Committee recognized Jonathan’s unwavering commitment to fostering peace and democracy, stating, “Dr. Jonathan is being honoured for his unwavering commitment to fostering peace and democracy, particularly through his leadership in the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, the West African Elders Forum, and the International Summit Council for Peace.”
Other notable awardees include Patrick Awuah Jr., Founder & President of Ashesi University in Ghana; Hugh Evans, Co-founder & CEO of Global Citizen; and Wanjira Mathai, Regional Director for Africa at the World Resources Institute.
President Tinubu congratulated Jonathan on his win, acknowledging his efforts in peacebuilding and promoting democracy in Africa and beyond. “Dr. Jonathan’s winning the Sunhak Peace Award affirms his bold efforts in peacebuilding and promoting democracy in Africa and beyond,” Tinubu said ².