President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged Namibians to use cultural traditions to unite the country, rather than divide its national identity.

Dr. Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasised that preserving languages, customs, and heritage is essential for community building. 

The president's message was delivered on her behalf at the official opening of the 15th annual Olufuko Cultural Festival taking place at the Olufuko Cultural Centre in Outapi, Omusati Region.

The festival brings together traditional authorities, community members and government officials to celebrate local heritage, initiation rites and community unity.

The Olufuka festival creates a platform for elders to pass down knowledge to the youth and keep the culture alive for future generations.

The president's message was read by Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture Sanet Steenkamp.

"This wisdom reminds us of a simple responsibility: to know our own story, to preserve it, and to pass it on with confidence before others tell our stories on our behalf on their own terms. The future is a life, and societies evolve, and therefore it's important that we preserve that which strengthens identity, belonging, and community while ensuring that all our practices uphold human dignity, safety, well-being, and the values of our constitution."

Nandi-Ndaitwah encouraged citizens to embrace their diverse backgrounds under the banner of "One Namibia, One Nation" to strengthen, rather than fragment, the country's shared future.

At the event was the Governor of the Plateau State in Nigeria, Caleb Mutfwang, who stated that Africa's strength derives from its unity and cultural diversity.

"Today we are here to change what it is that we carry everywhere we go to the world. That we are people that are super proud of what we represent in Nigeria. And so we are here to support the celebration of your cultural heritage, where you have a feel of our own culture."

The festival will take place until the first of September.