President Tinubu Honors Legacy of Late Namibian Leader Nujoma

President Bola Tinubu tribute to Namibia’s founding President Sam Nujoma during his state burial emphasized his transformative leadership and the shared struggles between Nigeria and Namibia in combating colonial oppression. Nujoma’s legacy as a visionary leader remains celebrated, establishing a lasting bond between the two nations.

On Saturday, President Bola Tinubu honored the late founding President of Namibia, Dr. Sam Nujoma, during a state burial at Heroes’ Acre in Windhoek. Represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu paid tribute alongside several African leaders, recognizing Nujoma’s pivotal role in Namibia’s political emancipation. Nujoma, who passed away at 95 on February 8, was celebrated as a courageous figure who united African nations in the quest for freedom.

In his remarks, Tinubu emphasized that Dr. Nujoma’s legacy transcends mortality, stating that, “We have not come to this sacred ground to bury a man. We have come to enshrine a legacy.” He described Nujoma as a national hero and a symbol of resistance against oppression, mentioning, “Africa stands still today for him.”

Tinubu admired Nujoma’s transformative leadership in post-independence Namibia, asserting that he built a nation from the ruins of its occupation. The President noted, “You turned resistance into governance, turned a dream into reality. You did not rule for yourself; you ruled for your people.” He reiterated that Nujoma’s dedication to his nation’s dignity and freedom remains everlasting.

Affirming Nigeria’s solidarity with Namibia during its liberation struggle, Tinubu remarked, “Nigeria was not a bystander in the Namibian struggle. When your voice was drowned by the guns of apartheid, we spoke.” He emphasized the shared struggles and pains between Nigeria and Namibia, stating, “Your freedom was our freedom.”

In concluding the tribute, Tinubu reassured Namibia of Nigeria’s unwavering partnership, declaring that both nations’ collective history forms an unbreakable bond. He stated, “That the struggle that brought us together is now the foundation of a friendship that will never fade.” As world leaders attended the burial, the loss of a giant was commemorated along with a celebration of his enduring impact on Africa.

President Bola Tinubu’s tribute to the late Sam Nujoma underscored the importance of his contributions to Namibia’s independence and the broader African struggle for freedom. The sentiments expressed by Tinubu affirm the unbreakable bond between Nigeria and Namibia, reinforcing a mutual commitment to solidarity and support. Nujoma’s legacy as a hero and warrior endures in the memories of those he inspired.

Original Source: punchng.com