…Says ‘Never Let the Labour of This Great Hero Be in Vain’

By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has described the late Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s first President, as a quintessential patriot and courageous leader who dedicated his life to the service of his nation.

In separate condolence letters addressed to Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba and the late Nujoma’s widow, Mrs. Kovambo Theopoldine Katjimune Nujoma, Obasanjo emphasized the sacrifices made by Nujoma and his contemporaries in the fight for Africa’s independence.

Obasanjo, in a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, urged all Namibians to uphold Nujoma’s legacy, stating, “Never let the labour of this great hero be in vain.”

Obasanjo recounted his personal and historical ties with Nujoma, highlighting Nigeria’s role in supporting Namibia’s liberation struggle.

“While Sam was in the battle trench, I was in the political trench, with Nigeria, under my watch as Military Head of State, supporting Nujoma’s valiant struggle for national liberation. This was not a matter of choice or sheer benevolence but a duty we owed ourselves as Nigerians and Africans,” he stated.

He praised Nujoma’s leadership, acknowledging his instrumental role in Namibia’s independence from South African rule in 1990 and his contributions to peace efforts in Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Obasanjo urged Namibians to uphold Nujoma’s vision for a free, united, and prosperous Africa, emphasizing that his dreams for Namibia must not be abandoned.

“As we mourn President Nujoma, let us remember his sacrifices, his vision, and his aspirations for Namibia and Africa. Let all Namibians ensure that the labour of this great hero is never in vain.”

He prayed for strength for Nujoma’s family and the people of Namibia as they navigate this moment of loss.