Omaludi festival hailed a success

Tuyeimo Haidula
The Omaludi Agricultural Festival in Okongo in the Ohangwena Region has been hailed as a success.

Ohangwena governor Sebastian Ndeitunga said the festival, which concluded this weekend, has reminded him of the rich history and tradition of the Aawambo culture.

Speaking to Ewi lya Nooli, Ndeitunga said this being the fourth edition of the festival, it is clear that the event holds significant importance for the Okongo constituency and is deeply intertwined with the heritage of the Okongo Village Council.

“The inception of the Omaludi Agricultural Festival in 2018 stands as a testament to the dedication and foresight of its initiators. This festival serves as a platform for the advancement of agricultural development, offering our farmers the opportunity to showcase their produce and connect with potential markets for their livestock,” he said.

Good neighbours

Ndeitunga said he was impressed by the effort farmers put into their animals, which was evident just by looking at the livestock on display.

This he attributed to good relations between Namibia and Angola, applauding the Angolan government for opening its borders to Namibian farmers when the drought hit the country.

“Having good neighbouring relations will always be important. We remain indebted to the Angolan government for their understanding and accommodating our farmers grazing in Angola who have been impacted by the ongoing drought,” he said.

Ndeitunga also appealed to farmers to operate within the laws of the Angolan government and to act responsibly with the assistance offered to them.

“We will not condone the behaviour of those not respecting the Angolan laws. Let us not take their good will for granted but appreciate the opportunity offered to us. It is the same way we expect the Angolans to resect the Namibian laws when they enter our country,” he stressed.

Festival pivotal for agriculture

Ndeitunga said the festival plays a pivotal role in promoting agricultural growth in the region.

The event, he said, not only allows farmers to exhibit their livestock but also serves as a catalyst for the development and marketing of agricultural products in the region, both domestically and internationally.

The festival was officiated by Vice-President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who is also the patron of the event.

Nandi-Ndaitwah said the festival has become a beacon of success for the farmers, particularly in the northern regions of the country, where local farmers and business people display their products, exchange information, and market their animals and agricultural produce.

The theme for this year's Omaludi Agricultural Festival was 'Dream agriculture and think tourism for ambitious economic growth'.

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-20

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