President Bola Tinubu paid tribute to late Namibian leader Dr. Sam Nujoma during his state burial in Windhoek. Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu spoke of Nujoma’s legacy as a champion of freedom and unity in Africa. He emphasized Nigeria’s support for Namibia’s liberation struggle, marking the deep bond between the two nations and the collective grief shared by Africa in Nujoma’s passing.
On Saturday, President Bola Tinubu honored the late Dr. Sam Nujoma, founding President of Namibia, during a state burial at Heroes’ Acre in Windhoek. Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu joined several African leaders to pay tribute to Nujoma, who passed away on February 8 at 95. The Nigerian leader regarded Nujoma as a significant warrior who inspired many in the fight for freedom.
Tinubu emphasized that Dr. Nujoma’s passing marks not an end, but a lasting legacy within the hearts of Africans. He celebrated Nujoma as a hero for both Namibia and the continent, stating, “We have come to enshrine a legacy. We have come to salute a life that was lived not for itself, but for the people, for the land, for the ideals of freedom.”
He further acknowledged Nujoma’s leadership post-independence, illustrating how he built Namibia amidst adversity. Tinubu remarked, “You built this nation from the ashes of occupation. You turned resistance into governance, turned a dream into reality. You did not rule for yourself; you ruled for your people.”
The Nigerian President reiterated Nigeria’s unwavering support for Namibia during its liberation struggle, reinforcing the historic ties between the two nations. He stated, “When the world turned its back, we stood. When your voice was drowned by the guns of apartheid, we spoke. Your struggle was our struggle. Your freedom was our freedom.”
Tinubu assured Namibians of Nigeria’s solidarity, declaring the bond formed through their shared fight is unbreakable. He affirmed, “Namibia, you do not grieve alone. Africa grieves with you. But more than that, we celebrate you. Because in this land, in this soil, we did not just lose a man. We gained a legend.”
Notable attendees at the burial included the Presidents of South Africa, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Ghana, along with other African leaders and former heads of state. They gathered to honor the legacy of Dr. Nujoma, acknowledging the significance of his contributions to Namibia and Africa at large.
In summary, President Tinubu’s homage to Dr. Sam Nujoma reflects the enduring impact of the late Namibian leader on both his nation and the broader African landscape. Through heartfelt words, Tinubu reinforced the solidarity between Nigeria and Namibia, celebrating the legacy of freedom and resilience derived from their shared history. The gathering of numerous African leaders at Nujoma’s state burial further highlights the respect and admiration acquired by the late statesman across the continent.
Original Source: punchng.com
