Namibians hail Jonathan ‘Igwe!’

President Goodluck Jonathan rounded up his state
visit to Namibia yesterday where he was conferred
with “Order of Welwitschia”, the Namibia highest
national honour, by President Hifikepunye Pohamba.
The ceremony took place at the Independence
Stadium, Windhoek, and was attended by the
founding President and the father of the Namibian
nation, Dr Sam Nujoma.
Over 35,000 persons witnessed the ceremony at
the stadium which was full to capacity.
President Jonathan who arrived the stadium in in
company of his wife, Dame Patience, was greeted
with a loud shout of “Igwe!’ (King) popularised by
Nigerian Nollywood film that is hugely followed by
other African countries.
President Pohamba said the honour 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 noted that, despite the geographic distance,
Nigeria played a prominent role together with the
Frontline states in supporting the liberation
movements in Southern Africa, including SWAPO of
Namibia.
He also hailed Nigeria’s steadfast and consistent
contributions to the resolution of conflicts and the
maintenance of peace and stability in Africa,
pointing out Nigeria’s role in the crisis in Cote d’
Ivoire, Mali and in other parts of Africa.
In a citation read before President Jonathan was
decorated by Pohamba, the Master of Ceremony
said that successive Nigerian government has
stood with Namibia in thick and tin.
She said that during the SWAPO struggle for
Independence, Nigeria consistently appropriated
specific budget vote for the liberation movement,
the distance notwithstanding.
“Many sons and daughters of Nigeria sacrificed
their lives for the freedom and independence of
Namibia,” she said.
The Master of ceremony also said that President
Jonathan has demonstrated astute leadership in
confronting the challenges faced by Nigeria and the
continent.
President Jonathan thanked Pohamba and the
people of Namibia for the award, which he said
underscored the long- standing relationship
between the two countries.
“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 indepence 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,” he said.
The President paid tribute to the elderstateman and
leading Pan-Africanist, Nujoma, and all Namibia
freedom fighters for their vision and personal
sacrifice which won their nation’s freedom and
independence.
President Jonathan left shortly after the ceremony
the President left Namibia for Rome and the Vatican
for talks on Saturday with Pope Francis and
Monsignor Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of
State.