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At State Burial, President Tinubu Eulogizes Late Nujoma’s Legacy As Warrior, Nation-builder
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
KOGI YOUTHS CALL ANTI-AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN’S CAMPAIGNERS ENEMIES OF DEMOCRACY
· URGE NIGERIANS TO IGNORE ODODO, FANWO
· MOVE TO PREVENT KOGI CENTRAL SENATOR’S FOES FROM COMMITTING SUICIDE
By: Michael Mike
Youths in Kogi Central on Friday pounced on the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr Kingsley Fanwo.
‘’The comments made by Kingsley Fanwo are offensive, bigoted and disgusting’’
They also described Governor Ododo as ‘’a man who can’t stand on his own feet without crutches.
‘‘Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and Yahaya Adoza Bello ought to know that in a contest at the grassroots level, they have not the ghost of a chance to win in Kogi Central’’
The youths in a statement in Okene advised Fanwo to tame his appetite for falsehood against Akpoti-Uduaghan.
‘’Kogi Central constituents represent a variety of viewpoints and temperaments. The home coming of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan shows how faithful the Kogi Central people are to the true spirit of democracy and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’’.
The statement issued by Kogi Central Youth Forum Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Jato scolded Fanwo for penciling a chit to the public, insulting civilization and presenting a shrouded and remote figure at the peak of an unintelligent bureaucracy as a responsible person.
‘’Nothing is more important for a politician than to command the necessary abundance of understanding and loyalty on the part of the people’’
They described the Ododo government as a model of poor administration.
‘’Kingsley Fanwo’s comments on Akpoti-Uduaghan are distasteful and provocative. The APC leaders in Kogi State are officious people. They need to imbibe the values and ideals of civilization and democracy’’.
Specifically, the youths applauded the Kogi Central senator for her patriotism, leadership style and tactful politesse.
‘’The senate president is not a person. It is an institution. Senator Godswill Akpabio should not jeopardize the institution’’
They denounced the absurd idea that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s home coming was to create crisis in the state.
The youths added that the future of Nigeria, particularly Kogi State lay with politicians who realized that the people are more interested in government than politics.
‘’We urge the public not to pay attention to what the Commissioner for Information and Communication is saying’’
The statement stressed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s simplicity, personal charm, courage and bubbling nature.
‘’Our task is to prevent those behind Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension and recall from committing suicide’’
KOGI YOUTHS CALL ANTI-AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN’S CAMPAIGNERS ENEMIES OF DEMOCRACY
Six Arrested as Farmers, Herders Clash in Adamawa
By: Zagazola Makama
The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested six suspects following a clash between farmers and herders in Waduku, Lamurde Local Government Area, which resulted in injuries to a villager and 11 cattle.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. on April 2 when some herders allegedly trespassed into a rice farm and caused damage to the crops.
In retaliation, angry youths from the village attacked the herders, injuring their cattle and wounding one person identified as Righteous Boti from Nzumoso Village.
Security personnel visited the scene and held an emergency meeting with local stakeholders to prevent further escalation of violence.
The arrested suspects include Rabo Buba, 31; Ahmadu Adamu, 20; Stephen Pwagwadi, 17; Shadrach Simon, 19; Lot Gad, 20; and Righteous Boti, 27.
The injured individuals received treatment at the Tingno Primary Health Care Clinic and have since been discharged.
Six Arrested as Farmers, Herders Clash in Adamawa
Suspected Thief Dies After Being Beaten by Man O’ War officer, in FCT
By: Zagazola Makama
A suspected thief in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has died after being beaten by a security officer following his apprehension on April 2.
A Police sources said that a distress call was received at Karu Division about a suspected thief seen around Supreme Quarters in Karu at approximately 1:00 p.m.
The suspect was approached by security personnel who believed him to be involved in theft. When questioned, the suspect attempted to flee but was quickly chased and apprehended by civilian security personnel.
Kola Oba, a Man O’ War officer, then reportedly took the suspect into custody and subjected him to severe physical abuse. The suspect later succumbed to the injuries sustained during the beating and passed away.
The sources said that the Police detectives were dispatched to the scene, and photographs were taken. The body was subsequently transported to the hospital mortuary for preservation.
The suspect’s identity remains unknown, and efforts are underway to locate his family. The officer involved has been arrested.
Suspected Thief Dies After Being Beaten by Man O’ War officer, in FCT
VP Shettima Departs Abuja For Dakar To Represent President Tinubu At Senegal’s 65th Independence Anniversary
KOGI YOUTHS CALL ANTI-AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN’S CAMPAIGNERS ENEMIES OF DEMOCRACY
President Tinubu Laying Foundation For A Better Nigeria, Says Hajiya Nana Shettima
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