The annual Omagongo Festival has been hailed for its promotion of cultural norms and values whilst ensuring that it strengthens unity amongst various tribes within the eight northern traditional authorities and beyond. 

The celebration of ancient cultural norms and values came to the fore at Onamega village in the Omusati region as throngs of Namibians and international visitors joined in on the festivities.

Clad in various traditional outfits, the attendees made their way to the event's arena, where a cultural display was done as is customary during the Omagongo festival. 

The 16th edition is the first event to be officiated by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as its new patron following the death of former patron Sam Nujoma last year. 

The crowds cheered as various traditional groups took to the stage. 

Speakers who had the opportunity to take to the podium were all in unison in describing the significance of the festival, saying it remains a blueprint in ensuring that the ancient traditional norms and values are preserved and celebrated by both young and old. 

Deputy Minister of Urban and Rural Development Evelyn !Nawatises-Taayele says she is impressed by how far the festival has evolved. 

"Let us therefore heed the wisdom and continue nurturing our cultural roots in that regard; with true unity and collective efforts, we can ensure our Omagongo festival remains a thriving symbol of culture, progress and national identity."

The Information and Communication Technology Minister, Emma Theofelus, read UNESCO's speech on their behalf, saying preservation of culture goes hand in hand with tourism. 

"UNESCO strongly believes that empowering the youth through culture creates opportunities for learning, social inclusion, creativity, entrepreneurship and economic development."