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At State Burial, President Tinubu Eulogizes Late Nujoma’s Legacy As Warrior, Nation-builder

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At State Burial, President Tinubu Eulogizes Late Nujoma’s Legacy As Warrior, Nation-builder

** Says founding Namibian president sacrificed comfort for his people’s freedom, dignity, justice

By: Our Reporter

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to the late founding President of the Republic of Namibia, Dr. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, describing him as a warrior who galvanised Nigeria and other African nations to fight for his country’s freedom.

The late Nujoma, a revered figure who led his country to gain Independence, and steered the nation on the path towards democracy and stability, passed away on February 8, 2025, at the age of 95 at a hospital in Windhoek, where he had been confined for weeks due to an illness.

Speaking on Saturday during a state burial for the late Namibian leader held at Heroes’ Acre, Windhoek, Namibia, President Tinubu who was represented by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, noted that Dr. Nujoma’s demise is not an exit from space and time, but the wake of his immortality in the minds of Africans.

VP 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 – to the late Nujoma.

In his speech delivered by Vice President Shettima, President Tinubu eulogized the foremost African statesman, saying he was not just a national hero but a warrior who defied oppression and inspired an entire continent.

He stated: “We have not come to this sacred ground to bury a man. 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. For him, Africa stands still today.

“Dr. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma was not just the founding father of a nation that needed a hero; he was a warrior in the age of chains. He looked into the face of oppression in the most dangerous time to do so and declared that no African shall ever be a second-class citizen on his own soil.”

President Tinubu praised Nujoma’s leadership beyond independence, noting that he built Namibia from the ashes of occupation and ruled selflessly for his people.

“But even after victory, you did not rest. Independence was not the destination; it was only the beginning. 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. You sacrificed your comfort for the freedom, dignity, and justice of all Namibians,” he noted.

Acknowledging Nujoma’s legacy, which he said transcends time, the Nigerian leader declared that he now lives on in Namibia’s freedom and Africa’s collective history.

He 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.

His words: “Nigeria was not a bystander in the Namibian struggle. When the world turned its back, we stood. When your voice was drowned by the guns of apartheid, we spoke.

“When your hands were tied, we reached out. We did not do this as charity. We did not do this as a favour. We did this because your struggle was our struggle. Your pain was our pain. Your freedom was our freedom.”

President Tinubu 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 Nigerian leader added: “Nigeria is here today not only to honour you but to remind the world that the bond between our nations is unbreakable. That the struggle that brought us together is now the foundation of a friendship that will never fade.

“Namibia, you do not grieve alone. Africa grieves with you. The free world 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.”

The burial was also attended by Presidents of South Africa, Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa; Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa; Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Tshisekedi; Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan; Malawi, Lazarus Chakwera, and Ghana, John Mahama, as well as some former Presidents, and heads of missions.

At State Burial, President Tinubu Eulogizes Late Nujoma’s Legacy As Warrior, Nation-builder

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Army troops rescue Deputy Commander of NDLEA officer, five others from kidnappers in Taraba

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Army troops rescue Deputy Commander of NDLEA officer, five others from kidnappers in Taraba

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army in collaboration with other security agencies rescued six persons, including a senior officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), from suspected kidnappers in Taraba State.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the rescue followed a distress call received at about 11:40 p.m. on April 27 from a youth leader, Abe Samuel, who reported that a Toyota Hilux vehicle had come under attack along the Wukari–Kente Road.

Responding swiftly, the troops deployed to the area and found the abandoned vehicle with registration number FG 117-B03 and a punctured tire, but the occupants were missing.

A joint search and rescue operation was immediately launched, and by 6:00 a.m. on April 28, troops successfully rescued the Deputy Commander of NDLEA Zone 1, Ibadan, Musa Hudu, and five other victims from a nearby bush.

The victims were unharmed, and preliminary investigation revealed that they had fled into the bush after three armed men attacked their vehicle and shot at them with a dane gun.

The victims were safely escorted out of the area and allowed to proceed with their journey after their vehicle was repaired.

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Rival gangs clash at wedding, one dead in Kontagora, Niger State

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Rival gangs clash at wedding, one dead in Kontagora, Niger State

By Zagazola Makama

A deadly clash between rival gangs erupted at a wedding ceremony in Bayan-Waya area of Kontagora, Niger State, on April 27, 2025, resulting in the death of one man.

According the a police source, the fight involved members of rival groups known locally as “Sarasuka.” During the altercation, Aliyu Abubakar, 25, from Gangare Sagi Area, was seriously injured.

A team of police officers quickly responded to the scene and rushed the victim to Kontagora General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead on arrival.

The sources said efforts are ongoing to arrest the culprits involved in the fatal incident.

Rival gangs clash at wedding, one dead in Kontagora, Niger State

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Sea pirates hijack commercial boat, kidnap 20 passengers in Akwa Ibom

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Sea pirates hijack commercial boat, kidnap 20 passengers in Akwa Ibom

By: Zagazola Makama

About 20 passengers were abducted by sea pirates who hijacked a commercial speed boat along Calabar waters, Akwa Ibom State, on April 18, 2025.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the boat, identified as “Devinewill,” was hijacked by armed men who forced the passengers onto their own vessels.

A worker at the Oron beach, confirmed the incident, stating that the naval patrol team from Calabar responded promptly but was unable to prevent the pirates from fleeing with the passengers.

The hijacked boat, which was found empty, was later recovered by the naval patrol team. Efforts are ongoing to track down the kidnappers and secure the release of the victims.

Sea pirates hijack commercial boat, kidnap 20 passengers in Akwa Ibom

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