Gratitude in an era of ingratitude — by Kelechi Deca

Our elders said that “The fowl does not forget the person who plucked its tail feathers in the rainy season”.

Her Excellency President Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia visited the house where she once lived in Magomeni Tanzania during Namibia’s liberation struggle for independence against the apartheid regime in South Africa.

Many activists especially those of the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) went on exile in neighbouring African countries.

President Naidi-Ndaithwah lived in Magomeni Tanzania at that time.

Speaking on her experience she said that “Magomeni is an important part of my life and the history of my country. Tanzania provided us with shelter, love, and the opportunity to fight for our freedom. This is a testament to true friendship and African solidarity,” she said.

Her former neighbours also shared memories of that period and expressed their joy at reuniting with her, this time as the President of the Republic of Namibia.

Madam President took out time during her official visit to connect with her former neighbours who made her stay memorable

Talking about support from other African countries, Nigeria provided massive political, diplomatic, and material support to the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) and the Namibian people during their struggle for independence.

Nigeria donated millions of dollars directly to liberation movements like SWAPO. It was the largest contributor to the Southern African Relief Fund (SARF), which provided vital food, drugs, and logistical materials to freedom fighters and refugees.

Nigeria served as the Chair of the United Nations Anti-Apartheid Committee on Namibia, consistently championing the Namibian cause on the global stage and advocating for the implementation of UN Resolution 435.

Nigeria opened its universities and secondary schools to many Namibian students, providing scholarships and training.

A significant number of these individuals went on to become civil servants in Namibia’s first independent administration.

Nigerian institutions, including the First Mechanized Army Division, offered military training and strategic support to allied liberation fighters.

In gratitude for this unwavering solidarity, the Namibian government later named a prominent street in its capital, Windhoek, after Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed.