Senator Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Senate, is set to lead a distinguished presidential delegation to attend the state funeral of the late President of Namibia, Dr. Hage Geingob. Dr. Geingob passed away on February 4, 2024, at the age of 83.
According to a statement released on Saturday by Eseme Eyiboh, media aide to Senator Akpabio, this diplomatic mission is in response to a letter dated February 22, 2024, from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
President Tinubu appointed Akpabio as his Special Envoy and designated him as the Leader of the Nigerian delegation to the funeral proceedings, scheduled to take place in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia.
The delegation comprises Mr. Zephaniah Jisalo, the Honourable Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, and Mr. Ya’u Shehu Darazo, the Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs. Together, they will represent Nigeria in paying respects to the late Namibian leader.
The journey is not merely a diplomatic duty but a poignant gesture of solidarity between the Nigerian and Namibian nations during this time of mourning.
According to the Programme of Events, a Memorial Service will be held in honour of the departed leader at the Independence Stadium on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 14:00 hours.
Similarly, the Burial Service will be held at Heroes’ Acre, Windhoek on Sunday, February 25, 2024 at 10:00 hours.
Eyibo stated that the essence of the trip is to demonstrate Nigeria’s solidarity with the government and people of Namibia as well as convey President Tinubu’s “deep condolences” and the “renewed assurances” of his “sincere and personal regards” to the good people of that country.
