Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has described the late President of Namibia, Sam Nujoma, as a quintessential patriot and courageous leader, who lived a fulfilled life, having served his country energetically well in various capacities before he finally became the first President of Namibia from 1990 to 2005.

Obasanjo said as the country and the world mourned Nujoma, his prayer was that the death of the great African son and leader would remind Africans of the sacrifices that he and his contemporaries, who fought for Africa’s independence, made.

Obasanjo’s statement was contained in separate condolence letters to President Nangolo Mbumba of Namibia and the late Nujoma’s wife, Mrs Kovambo Theopoldine Katjimune Nujoma, on the death of the former President on Monday.

In a statement made available by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, yesterday, Obasanjo urged all Namibians never to let the labour of the great hero be in vain.

The statement reads: “On behalf of my family and on my own behalf, I write to commiserate with you on the unfortunate passing of President Samuel Shafiishuna Daniel Nujoma, former President of Namibia, at the age of 95.

“In this moment of great loss to Namibians and indeed all Africans, we wish to express our heartfelt condolences to the Nujoma family and the government and good people of the Republic of Namibia.

“Late President Sam Nujoma, a quintessential patriot and courageous leader, lived a fulfilled life, having served his country energetically well in various capacities before he finally became the first President of Namibia from 1990 to 2005. His demise at the grand old age of 95 years brings to end the pioneer and forefather, who led the struggles for the liberation of Namibia from South African rule, just as he played a remarkable role in the search for peace in Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).”