11th April, 2021
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Nigeria’s former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has recounted his last meeting with the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip.
Jonathan, who commiserated with Queen Elizabeth and Great Britain over the death of Prince Philip, said he last met with him in 2011 during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth, Australia.
He described him as an epitome of duty.
Jonathan said when he met Prince Philip, he found him to be ‘most gentlemanly.’
The former President also stated that the late royal lived a life of service and was deeply committed to many charitable causes and youth development.
He said further: “His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, was an epitome of duty. Duty to God, his family, his nation and the commonwealth.
“His death, at the age of 99, is a sad occasion for the commonwealth; that veritable institution to which both he and Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, gave the most valuable service.
“I met the Duke of Edinburgh during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth, Australia, in 2011, and I found him to be most gentlemanly.
“His lifelong service to humanity included his many charitable causes, and his commitment to youth development.
“On behalf of my family and the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, I commiserate with the British Royal Family, and especially Her Majesty the Queen. We also share in their grief and extend our right hand of fellowship to the government and people of Great Britain at this trying time.”