Former US President Jimmy Carter. Credit: Getty

Abubakar Hashim

Former US President Jimmy Carter clocked 100 years old last Tuesday, September 30, 2024.

He is the first ever US President to reach 100 years.

Though he served one term, 1977 to 1981, his achievements were remarkable.

In Africa, Jimmy Carter is an influential figure, particularly as a right activist, philanthropist and elder statesman.

Even during his Presidency, he visited many African countries, like Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana, South Africa and others, with bilateral and multilateral engagements that were beneficial to Africans.

For instance, in Nigeria, he initiated a successful Exxon Mobil/ Chevron oil deal with the military government of Olusegun Obasanjo in 1979, on the eve of his handover to late President Shehu Shagari.

When Jimmy Carter was US President, he visited Nigeria. He is here with General Olusegun Obasanjo.

His support to other African countries in the health sector is immense.

He spent his 100-year birthday quietly at his home, built in the 60s.

A peanut farmer, who found his way to the Oval Office in the White House, he was born in Plains, Georgia.

President Biden sent him a congratulatory message, calling him “ a beloved friend and one of the most influential figures in US history”.

His achievements in other countries in the world are impactful.

He achieved the 1978 Camp David Peace Accord between Israel and Egypt.

He facilitated the establishment of diplomatic relations with China

He paved the way for the return of control of the Panama Canal to Panama.

His main challenges were the Iran Hostage crisis and the oil crisis from 1979 to 1980.

These two crises facilitated the landslide victory of President Ronald Reagan who succeeded him in the White House.

At 100, Jimmy Carter, a Democrat, will cast his vote, through mail- in- Box, for Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in the forthcoming November 5, 2024, US Presidential elections.

* Abubakar Hashim is the West Africa Bureau Chief of TheNEWS Magazine