Some authors say having a baby boy means you have a best friend for life. When he is small, he will be delighted to tell you all the things happening in his life, and when he grows up, he will lend you a shoulder to lean on.

Sam Nujoma has not only been a shoulder to cry on for his parents but for all those with whom he has come into contact throughout his lifetime.

It is this life that Namibians celebrated today as Nujoma turned 94 in his home village of Etunda.

On May 12, 1929, a baby boy was born in the Nujoma family, one who would become an icon of the liberation struggle.

He is the firstborn in a family of 11, and a mammoth task was ahead of him, something he probably was unaware of when he started looking after his parent's livestock.

Nujoma would years later become a fearless leader of the liberation movement Owambo People's Organisation, which transformed later.

Along with others who took up arms, he became friends with the bush and navigated every danger in it.

It was evident that Nujoma derived joy from the defeat of the enemy.

Over the years, he wore many hats: negotiator, railway worker, father figure, salesman, and commander-in-chief.

It is this fearless freedom fighter, the icon of the liberation struggle, the lover of safari suits, that people from all walks of life descended on Etunda to celebrate.

Speaker after speaker hailed the 94-year-old's unwavering contribution to the cause of Namibia's freedom and independence.

Uutoni Nujoma, a replica of his father, followed in his footsteps, continuing to fight Namibia's case, and he applauds his father's deeds.

The Chairperson of the Sam Nujoma Foundation, Nahas Angula, read the Founding President's speech, thanking all those who contributed to the hosting of his 94th birthday.

He also highlighted the importance of the occasion by saying, "We are here to learn a lesson, a good lesson indeed, and that is a lesson in leadership. Leadership with a vision and mission. I urge young people of today to study the history of Dr. Sam Nujoma in order for them to learn about leadership with a vision and mission."

President Hage Geingob's speech was read by Swapo veteran Pendukeni IIvula-Ithana.

"I thank you, Cde. Sam Nujoma, for the distinctive and steadfast leadership you provided to the Namibian people. Your sacrifices and legacy are an inspiration to Namibians. Your achievements are cherished, and your elegance is mesmerizingly timeless."

When one follows historic material closely, one cannot help but notice that Nujoma was probably one of the most smiling presidents.

One of the few moments that Nujoma closed his lips tightly was when South Africa's F.W. de Klerk read a congratulatory message during the swearing-in of Nujoma following his victory in 1990.

However, he regained his trademark smile soon after.

Samuel Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, the icon of Namibia's liberation struggle