Maria David
PRESIDENT Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who on Saturday delivered the keynote address at the 2025 Omaongo Annual Festival, said that the event represents the spirit of our ancestors, a testament to the enduring strength and resilience of our people, and a platform for honouring our traditions, sharing our stories, and reaffirming our commitment to the preservation of our cultural heritage for future generations.
“The festival,” she said, “serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of unity, cooperation and respect within our communities and across our nation.”
She paid homage to her predecessors and successive Presidents of Namibia — from the Founding President Sam Nujoma, to the Second President Hifikepunye Pohamba, the Third President, the late Hage Geingob, and the Fourth President Nangolo Mbumba — saying that they have all laid strong foundations for a democratic, peaceful and developing nation.
“Their leadership and commitment to our shared future have shaped the Namibia we know and love today,” she said.
The 2025 Omaongo Annual Festival was held at the Omhedi Palace of Meekulu Martha Mwadinomho Kristian Nelumbu in the Ohangwena Region, under the theme, “Preservation of our cultural heritage and strengthening of our unity.”
The President said: “In the spirit of this year’s theme, I am particularly eager to reflect on the important role each one of us here present — and those at home — play in maintaining our cultural identity. It is through the continued practice and transmission of our customs, languages, arts and traditions that we ensure the continuity of our rich heritage as a nation. It is also through our cultures, unity, respect and collaboration that we can effectively navigate the challenges of modern life while preserving the values that have sustained us for centuries. As a nation, we must see our culture as a thread that ties us together and avoid temptations to use our cultures and traditions to divide us. Hence, part of our theme for the next five years is Unity in Diversity.”
President Nandi-Ndaitwah thanked Meekulu Ohamba Nelumbu and her dedicated organisers of the colourful event.
She also thanked all eight Traditional Authorities in the Oshikoto, Ohangwena, Oshana and Omusati regions for having kept alive the culture of the Omaongo Annual Festival.
She added that the festival is a cherished tradition rotating amongst the eight Traditional Authorities in the north of Namibia, which holds a special place in the hearts of the communities.
“Each year,” she said, “we look forward to gathering, celebrating our rich cultural heritage, and strengthening the bonds of unity that unite us as Namibians.”
The President also said that although the eight Traditional Authorities host the annual festival, it is a celebration inclusive of all citizens of Namibia, attracting people from across the country — a testament to the shared values and aspirations that unite us as a nation.
The President said that this year’s theme resonates profoundly with her, especially as it was hosted just two days before the first birthday celebration of the late Founding President Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, who deeply understood the importance of unity in diversity, unity of purpose, cultural preservation, and the prosperity of all Namibians.
“May his vision and legacy continue to inspire us today and for generations to come,” she said.
