President Goodluck Jonathan has been conferred with the Namibia highest national honour- “Order of Welwitschia”.
The President who was in Namibia on a two-day visit was decorated on Friday by his host, President Hifikepunye Pohamba, as part of the activities marking Namibia’s 24th independence anniversary.
Dignitaries present at the ceremony held at the Independence Stadium, Windhoek, were the founding President, Dr Sam Nujoma; Prime Minister Hage Geingob, Cabinet members, members of the Namibian parliament and other senior citizens of that country.
Justifying the honour, President Pohamba said it was conferred on President Jonathan in recognition of the selfless contributions by the government and the people of Nigeria to Namibia’s national liberation struggle.
He said Namibian will forever remain grateful to the Government and People of Nigeria for the prominent role they played in support of the liberation movements in Southern Africa, including SWAPO of Namibia.
President Pohamba particularly, hailed President Jonathan’s decisive response to the crisis in Cote d’ Ivoire, Mali and in other parts of Africa to restore peace and end the suffering of innocent civilians.
The Namibian President leader used the occasion to reassure hsi people that the country’s election holding later in the year would eb peaceful, free and fair and that he was prepared to step out of office.
Responding, President Jonathan expressed appreciation to the government and people of Namibia for finding him worthy of being honoured, saying it was an attestation to the existing ties between both countries.
His words, “Although I have been given the honour as Nigeria’s President, I recognise that this gesture rightly belongs to the Nigerian people, on whose behalf I am privileged to serve.
“I want to thank you also for the privileged and opportunity of sharing this independence anniversary celebration with you.
“Twenty four years in the history of any nation is no mean achievement. This occasion rightly provides an opportunity to reflect on the blessings of your independence and freedom. It is also a special time to reflect on the challenges that lie ahead.
“Even though we are geographically distant from each other, Nigeria was proud to identify with Namibia as it did with other brotherly countries in this sub-region.
“Your struggle was our struggle, your pains were our pains and today, your freedom is our freedom”.
He also paid tribute to the elder statesman and leading Pan-Africanist, Nujoma, and all Namibia freedom fighters for their vision and personal sacrifice which won their nation’s freedom and independence.
