Diplomats celebrate Namibia's Independence Day

WINDHOEK, 22 MAR (NAMPA) - Members of the diplomatic corps joined President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at State House in Windhoek on Saturday for a special luncheon celebrating Namibia's 36th Independence Day.
Various dignitaries, business leaders, and officials gathered to celebrate Namibia's 36th anniversary, recognising its achievements and challenges.
Diplomats from many nations expressed solidarity, emphasising strong trade and unity. The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ambassador Laura Ngayino Nguele, who is also the Dean of the Corps, noted the historical significance of the occasion.
“We cannot speak of Namibia’s independence without paying a heartfelt tribute to the vision and the courage of the founding father of the Namibian nation, namely Dr Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, as well as to all the heroes and veterans of the liberation struggle, to all those fathers and comrades, both national and international, who worked for Namibia's independence,” she remarked.
Nguele reaffirmed the diplomatic community's commitment to enhancing cooperation with Namibia in sectors like agriculture, mining, and green hydrogen.
She continued, “As the nation looks beyond 35, the diplomatic community welcomes the government’s strong commitment to investing in its people, clearly reflected in the recently tabled national budget, signifying a decisive focus on human capital as a driver of long-term prosperity.”
She emphasised the importance of solid investments and meaningful opportunities for young people in Namibia to learn, work, innovate, and contribute to the economy.
Additionally, Nguele highlighted the diplomatic community's support in expanding pathways for success and empowerment among young Namibians, especially in the context of the country's 35 years of independence, acknowledging women for their liberation struggle and sacrifices.
“The life journey of the president of Namibia stands as a living testimony to the struggle for women's rights, having joined the resistance at the age of 14. Other Namibian women, often working behind the scenes, have also been actively involved in the movement,” she said.
She commended Namibia for its dedication to peace, stability, development, and progress since independence.
Former Nigerian President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, a guest of honour at the Independence Day celebrations, praised Namibia’s president for her experience, transparency, and dedication to Africa.
“Your grasp of the challenges facing Namibia and Africa, along with your urgency for action, is commendable. You expressed your determination to transform Namibia quickly, and rightly so. You are focused on lifting our people out of poverty amidst abundance,” Obasanjo said.
(NAMPA)
UK/AS/EK