The Federal Government on Wednesday eulogised the late Dr Sam Nujoma, founding President of the Republic of Namibia, following his death.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, made this known in a statement in Abuja, on the sideline of a memorial service organised by the ministry to honour Nujoma.
Tuggar, in a statement issued by Alkassim Abdulkadir, his Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy, expressed grief over the passing of Nujoma.
“It is with profound sense of sorrow, yet deep respect and admiration, that I stand before you today, on behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, to pay tribute to an African giant, icon of liberation and father of the Namibian nation.
“Today, we gather not only to mourn a great leader, but to celebrate a genuinely well-lived life dedicated to the ideals of freedom, justice and empowerment of his people.
“Nujoma had extraordinary vision, unwavering conviction and immense courage. His name is synonymous with the liberation of Namibia and his legacy is forever etched in the annals of African history,” Tuggar said.
The minister described Nujoma’s early life as one marked by harsh realities of colonial rule, which shaped his resolve to fight for justice and equality with determination to lead the struggle for independence.
He also commended Nujoma’s ability to unite diverse groups of people under the common goal of freedom as a testament to his exceptional leadership and strategic acumen.
Tuggar recalled that Nigeria played a key role in Namibia’s liberation through the support for its independence, which reflected a shared commitment to Pan-Africanism.
“From providing financial assistance, to offering educational opportunities for Namibian refugees, Nigeria stood shoulder to shoulder with SWAPO.
“Our advocacy on international platforms, including the United Nations, was driven by the belief that Namibia’s freedom was integral to the broader liberation of Africa.
“It will be recalled that Nigeria played a key role in supporting the liberation struggles in Southern Africa, particularly in Angola, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa, earning it recognition as a frontline state,” he said.
According to him, “as a reflection on Nujoma’s extraordinary life, we must draw lessons from his leadership.
“We must reaffirm our commitment to the ideals of unity, self-determination and socio-economic development, which he passionately upheld.
“In a world still grappling with inequality, conflicts, and neocolonial influences, his legacy reminds us that, as Africans, we must continue to work in concert for better future for our continent,” he said.
Tuggar also expressed condolences to the deceased’s family, the government and people of Namibia over Nujoma’s demise, and prayed that Nujoma’s achievements would continue to inspire future generations.
“I extend our deepest sympathies on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, the government and people of Nigeria.
“May his soul rest in eternal peace and may his legacy continue to shine as a beacon of hope, strength and inspiration for Namibia, Africa, and the world.
”Long live the spirit of Nujoma,” Tuggar added.
