Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has eulogised the late President of Namibia, Dr. Hage Gottfried Geingob, for his contributions to the development of the Southern African country, just as he reflected on the long-standing bilateral ties between Nigeria and Namibia dating to the 1970s.
Speaking at the memorial service in honour of the late Dr. Geingob in Windhoek, the nation’s capital, President Tinubu, who is also the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), reiterated the commitment of the present administration in Nigeria to strengthen the country’s relationship with Namibia, even as he promised to work hand-in-hand with incumbent President Nangolo Mbumba.
Tinubu who was represented by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio as the Head of the Nigerian delegation, said, “On behalf of myself and the good people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I extend my condolences to the government and the good people of Namibia on the passing of our dear brother, President (Dr.) Hage Gottfried Geingob.
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with you, the government, and the good people of Namibia in these very difficult times. May the strength of your nation be amplified in your National Anthem, “The Land of the Braves,” and the grace of God Almighty to provide comfort and solace in the face of this tragic loss. The people of Nigeria in their numbers stand in solidarity with you Namibians, in this moment and beyond this moment.
“As I commiserate with you once more with you and the people of your great nation, the people of Namibia, please accept the assurances Your Excellency of my sincere and esteemed regards in this loss.”
In his comments, Akpabio who also noted the solid partnership between the two nations, as well as Nigeria’s influence in trade, economy, and the political growth of the black nation, said, “As I arrived Namibia, I was surprised to meet some of my classmates whom we were together at the Federal Government College, Port-Harcourt, who are also here to commiserate with the country.
“Nigeria happens to be one of the frontline states that assisted greatly in the struggle for the independence of Namibia, and assisted strongly in the liberation of South Africa and the liberation of Angola from very far away in West Africa.
“So, we are sharing together in the demise of this great icon and hero. Of course, Nigeria had in the past supported SWAPO, your ruling political party with materials and human development to achieve its objective of ensuring the freedom of the good people of Namibia. We granted scholarships to train a lot of Namibians in the 1970s and the 1980s, some of whom I met on arrival here in Windhoek.
“We supported Namibia to develop its manpower immediately after independence. We have developed a lot of technical manpower for this country through technical aid in the area of education among others.”
Tinubu Extols Late Namibian Leader, Geingob
