The Erongo Governor Nathalia |Goagoses made a symbolic statement during her 2026 State of the Region Address by appearing in a full National Youth Service uniform, demonstrating solidarity with young people and empowerment.
 
Addressing the region, |Goagoses said the gesture was inspired by the vision of Namibia's Founding President, Sam Nujoma, who championed youth development as a cornerstone of the country's future.
 
The governor explained that the Erongo Region hosts one of the country's NYS training centres on the outskirts of Henties Bay and that wearing the uniform was intended to raise awareness about the opportunities available to young people through the programme.
 
|Goagoses described young people as future leaders and stressed the need to invest in their skills, education, and personal development.
 
She highlighted several youth-focused initiatives undertaken in the region, including entrepreneurship programmes, youth boot camps, and awareness campaigns on accessing the National Youth Development Fund.
 
“These young men and women have acquired valuable knowledge, practical skills, and life experiences that will enable them to contribute positively to their communities and to national development. As hosts, I encourage all young women and men in our region to access this training facility. We shall negotiate with the leadership of NYS to increase the quota of Erongo entrants to the programme.”
 
She also revealed that about 730 young people countrywide received training at the Henties Bay NYS centre during the reporting period, equipping them with practical skills and life experience to contribute to national development.
 
The governor encouraged young people in the Erongo Region to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the NYS and said regional leadership would engage the institution to increase the number of Erongo youth admitted into the programme.