The Namibian High Commission in Nigeria says the life of its late President, Hage Geingob, who lived a selfless life is worthy of emulation.
The Namibian High Commissioner to Nigeria Humphrey Geiseb, stated this during a memorial service held in honour of the late president in Abuja, the Nigeria’s capital.
Namibia’s High Commissioner, while paying tribute to president Hage Geingob, said the late president was a champion of the less privileged.
“He championed the cause of the poor, unemployed, elderly women and made sure there was an improvement in the number of women represented in the cabinet, as well as parliament during his tenure. President Geingob was an advocate of the less powerful in the society, through his labour he made sure that those who are less powerful are championed and also mainstreamed in governance.
Our late president was a good leader; condolences we got pouring from Nigerians reflect him as a good representative of the people. His death is a great loss to Namibians, Africans and the whole world, we have lost a visionary leader as president and one who was a champion of many causes.”
On behalf of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Ambassador to Nigeria, Percaline Vokiwuge Gerengbo, said late President Geingob legacy as worthy of emulation.
“On behalf of SADC Ambassadors in Abuja our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and people of Namibia. May you find comfort during this difficult time; our presence here is in admiration of a man who gave up his lifetime dedicated to his country and continent at large.” She said
Speaking on behalf of the Association of Retired Ambassadors of Nigeria (ARCAN) Ambassador John Shinkaiye described Geingob as Pan-Africanist.
“We pay tribute to the late president and mourn his passing with his family, Africa, the Commonwealth and other organisations in which he played outstandin roles. We pray his family be comforted and his departure will be honoured by the continuation of a peaceful and vibrant Namibia.”
He described
Eulogizing his memories, the former Chief of Staff, and a seasoned Nigeria’s diplomat, Ambassador Ibrahim Gambari, described Geingob as a confident and passionate African that fostered peace in the continent .
“His sense of statesmanship is similar to leaders like Julius Nyerere, Kwame Nkrumah, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and other great men and women on whose shoulders we stand today. He was an outstanding visionary who saw the transition of his country from an oppressive apartheid regime to embrace ethnic diversity and create room for younger people to share in the vision of Namibia.”
The Memoria service which was held at the Church of Assumption Catholic church, located in Asokoro, Abuja, Nigeria was officiated by Reverend Father Stephen Omale, was attended by the diplomatic community, both former and serving Ambassadors in Nigeria, the Namibia community and former State governors.
