Kunene: Kunene Governor, Vipuakuje Muharukua, on Monday spearheaded a regional initiative to plant trees in tribute to Founding President Sam Nujoma. The event, which took place at the governor's chambers and the Opuwo Town Council, brought together representatives from various sectors, including heads of government agencies and ministries, to honour Namibia's first president and celebrate his enduring legacy as an environmentalist and a champion of sustainable development.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the Sam Nujoma Foundation has proposed designating May 12, Nujoma's birthday, as a national tree planting day. During the ceremony, Governor Muharukua expressed that planting trees in honour of the founding father symbolizes the nation's hope that Nujoma's spirit will continue to bless the country as he joins the ancestors.

Governor Muharukua, himself a farmer, highlighted the symbolic significance of planting trees, noting that it represents new life. He remarked, "Today, we celebrate the birth of our founding president, and across the country, governors are planting new trees as a symbol of the enduring spirit of our founding president."

In his address, Muharukua urged all government ministries, agencies, and private institutions to heed the call and join the nation in honouring the legacy of the late freedom fighter. He emphasized that the tree planting initiative serves not only to memorialize the late president but also to promote transformation and beautification across the country.

Former Opuwo mayor, Albert Tjiuma, spoke at the event, stressing the importance of honouring leaders who, along with other patriots, played pivotal roles in securing the independence of Namibia and Africa. The Sam Nujoma Foundation's initiative aims to inspire Namibians to participate in environmental stewardship, community tree planting, climate action, and conservation efforts.

The foundation also proposed that the first national tree planting day should be observed under the theme 'The Baobab Tree Has Fallen, but its Roots Endure'.