Obasanjo: “Nujoma’s sacrifices must never be in vain”

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has paid glowing tribute to the late Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s first President, describing him as a quintessential patriot and courageous leader whose sacrifices for his country and the African continent will never be forgotten.

Nujoma, who led Namibia’s liberation struggle and served as the nation’s first President from 1990 to 2005, passed away at the age of 95.

In condolence letters addressed to President Nangolo Mbumba of Namibia and the late leader’s wife, Mrs. Kovambo Theopoldine Katjimune Nujoma, Obasanjo emphasized Nujoma’s indelible role in Africa’s fight against colonialism and apartheid.

In a statement released on Tuesday by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo urged Namibians to uphold the legacy of their departed leader, ensuring that his struggles and sacrifices for freedom remain a foundation for the country’s continued progress.

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Obasanjo’s letter to President Mbumba read in part: “On behalf of my family and on my own behalf, I write to commiserate with you on the unfortunate passing of President Samuel Shafiishuna Daniel Nujoma at the age of 95. This is a great loss not only to Namibians but to all Africans who cherish freedom, justice, and progress.”

The former Nigerian leader praised Nujoma’s unwavering commitment to Namibia’s liberation from South African rule, highlighting his influence in securing independence and fostering peace in Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Obasanjo also recalled Nigeria’s historic role in supporting Namibia’s independence struggle, stressing that it was a duty, not a choice, for Africans to stand together against colonial oppression.

“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. We saw Namibia’s fight for independence as directly linked to Africa’s collective freedom.”

Obasanjo emphasized that Nujoma’s leadership did not end with independence, as he continued to shepherd Namibia towards economic development and social transformation throughout his tenure as President.

“Under his visionary leadership, Namibia emerged from the shackles of colonialism in 1990 and has since made steady progress in economic development and social transformation.”

In a separate letter to Mrs. Kovambo Nujoma, Obasanjo extended his heartfelt condolences to the late leader’s family, recognizing the personal sacrifices they made while supporting Nujoma’s lifelong struggle for Namibia’s liberation.

“In this moment of great loss to you, your entire family, Namibians, and indeed all Africans, we wish to express our deepest condolences. May Almighty God grant you and your family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”

“As we mourn President Nujoma, let us be reminded of the sacrifices he and his contemporaries made for Africa’s independence. His dream was for a free, united, and prosperous Namibia and Africa. Let his labor not be in vain.”