President Hage Geingob has called on Namibians to foster a strong spirit of patriotism in societies to build a strong and resilient nation. Geingob said this in a speech read on his behalf by Vice President Nangolo Mbumba at the launch of the Nationhood and National Pride (NNP) programme implementation plan for 2020-2025 on Wednesday. The Head of State noted that patriotism not only develops a greater sense of unity as a country but when citizens express their patriotic feelings, they spur one another to achieve great things even in the face of adversity. He said the NNP campaign was approved by Cabinet under the custodianship of the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology to amongst others enhance the spirit of nationhood and build a sense of national pride in all Namibian citizens. “To further instil civic values to all Namibians and consolidate unity, peace and stability, to address issues related to social ills and development as well as to promote the value of Namibian culture and traditions - let us pursue values that call on our citizens to hold hands and work as one people to strive together to overcome common challenges in order to take Namibia to higher heights of success and shared prosperity,” he said. Geingob noted that the NNP document sets out clear vision, mission and values statements that together express the aspirations of Namibian citizens. He further added that it also defines critical issues strategies, measures, outcomes and goals to which stakeholders have agreed and committed themselves. “This programme requires that we as Namibians engage in personal introspection every day of our lives. We are called upon to contemplate how we can build a more just, united and prosperous society where all our people lead fulfilling and dignified lives,” said Geingob. The president said over the years the drive for nationhood and peace has progressed beyond reconciliation and has to nurture and develop a narrative of national unity, supported by concepts such as ‘One Namibia, One Nation’, ‘Harambee’ and ‘No Namibian Should Feel Left Out’. “The implementation of the programme will result in a strong sense of patriotism among the citizenry. It will further result in a strong common value system among our youth and a desire to always do better and stay competitive at the international stage,” noted Geingob.