The United States Mission in Nigeria has announced the closure of its operations on Thursday, January 9, to honour the late former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29 at the age of 100.
In a statement posted on its official X handle on Thursday, the mission said:
“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Thursday, Jan. 9, in honor of former President Carter’s passing.
“We remember former President Jimmy Carter, a tireless advocate for peace, democracy, and human rights. As the first U.S. President…”
Carter served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981. Though his presidency faced criticism for its political challenges, he earned widespread admiration for his humanitarian work after leaving office. His efforts in advancing human rights and peace were recognised with the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
The former president’s body will lie in state at the U.S. Capitol until Thursday, allowing members of the public to pay their respects to a leader who redefined the role of a former president through his extensive philanthropic activities.
A state funeral service will take place on Thursday at the National Cathedral in Washington, an Episcopal church that has previously hosted funerals for former presidents such as Dwight Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford, and George H.W. Bush.
President Joe Biden is set to deliver a eulogy for Carter, his fellow Democrat. Former President Donald Trump and the other three living former presidents — Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama — are also expected to attend the funeral, joining the nation in honouring Carter’s legacy.
