UNICEF hosted an event to bid farewell to UNICEF Representative Samuel Ocran as he prepares to leave his position.
Ocran worked with government and other stakeholders to advance children's rights and improve their access to essential services.
The farewell marks the end of his three-year tenure in Namibia.
The event was attended by key stakeholders, who commended Ocran for his hard work and dedication in advocating for children's rights, healthcare, education and basic needs, also wishing him well in his future endeavours.
Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Esperance Luvindao, expressed, "Outside of just health in general and children's health, Mr. Ocran has extended his expertise to the Ministry of Health and Social Services beyond what is expected. He has been crucial in terms of the reform of the pharmaceutical system. Without him, we would not have made the strides that we are making in the reform in the industry."
"I really want to wish Mr. Ocran the best as you embark on your new assignment. May the lessons that you have learned in Namibia assist you and take you to grow, as well as the other children on the other side of the continent," stated Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Dr. Emma Kantema.
Japan's Ambassador to Namibia, Shinichi Asazuma, added, "I would like to thank you for your efforts and for the close and constructive partnership we had enjoyed." We will certainly miss having you here in Namibia."
Hopolang Phororo UN's Resident Coordinator and the EU's Ambassador to Namibia, Ana Beatriz Martins, had this to say.
"We have also appreciated your valuable inputs in terms of the UN country team meetings, retreats, and the other activities which we do here as the UN, and especially how you are so passionate about issues around children."
"He's definitely not a leader who sits at his desk. He's the one who goes out there, who wants to talk to people, and who wants to see things and to shape his own opinion firsthand from the trips."
The outgoing UNICEF Namibia Representative Ocran says leaving Namibia is an emotional experience, describing the country as a second home.
He has expressed confidence that the partnership between UNICEF and the Namibian government will continue to strengthen, with children remaining at the centre of their work.
"I leave Namibia confident that the partnership between UNICEF and the government will continue to grow even stronger. Our country programme continues through to 2029, and my departure does not change. UNICEF's commitment to Namibia and its children, as we have already been told."
Ocran, who arrived in Namibia in August 2023, is preparing to take up a new assignment as UNICEF Country Representative in Eritrea.