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President Bola Tinubu paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Dr. Sam Nujoma, founding president of Namibia, during his state burial at Heroes’ Acre in Windhoek, Namibia.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu described Nujoma as a warrior who galvanized Nigeria and other African nations to fight for Namibia’s freedom.
Shettima, in the company of several African heads of government, joined President Nangolo Mbumba of Namibia at the state burial, where he paid Nigeria’s last respect – on behalf of President Tinubu.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the late Nujoma, who led Namibia to achieve political independence, passed away on Feb. 8, at the age of 95, at a hospital in Windhoek.
The Nigerian leader described the late Nujoma as a warrior who galvanised Nigeria and other African nations to fight for his country’s freedom.
Tinubu noted that Dr Nujoma’s demise was not an exit from space and time, but the wake of his immortality in the minds of Africans.
He eulogised the foremost African statesman, adding that Nujoma was not just a national hero but a warrior who defied oppression and inspired an entire continent.
Tinubu praised Nujoma’s leadership, noting that he built Namibia from the ashes of occupation and ruled selflessly for his people.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s support for Namibia’s liberation struggle, stressing that the bond between the two nations was forged in the fight against apartheid and colonial rule.
The Nigerian leader reassured the people of Namibia of Nigeria’s solidarity, asserting that the struggle that united both countries has become the foundation of an unbreakable friendship.
The state burial was attended by several African heads of state, including the presidents of South Africa, Ramaphosa; the president of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa; and the leader of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Others are the president of Tanzania, Félix Tshisekedi; president of Malawi, Samia Hassan; and the president of Ghana, John Mahama, as well as some former presidents and heads of missions. (NAN)
Tinubu’s tribute echoed the sentiments expressed by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Maitama Tuggar, who hailed Nujoma as an icon of liberation and a champion of African unity.
