The Anglican Diocese of Namibia is celebrating 100 years since its establishment by missionaries in 1924 at Odibo in the Ohangwena Region.

The week-long centenary celebration is held under the theme "Commemorating Achievements and Visualising the Future".

Bishop Patrick Djuulume explained the Anglican church started in 1918 when it was called the Diocese of Damaraland.

It was established by an English chaplain, Nelson Forgetty, who participated in the First World War and later became the first bishop of the Diocese of Namibia.

The Odibo Mission Centre was then established in 1924 by Reverend George Tobias at Odibo.

"The mission of Namibia started under this tree. It is under this tree the mission of Namibia was born. All the buildings, all the churches, and all the institutions came from this tree, and it's named after George Forgetty, Lukenge-Omwadi wa Lukenge."

The mission later culminated in the development of the Odibo church, which includes social initiatives such as schools, hospitals, maintenance workshops, and theoretical training for priests.

The Anglican church spread and set up congregations such as Holy Cross-Onamunama, where former President Hifikepunye Pohamba schooled.

As the years passed and political pressure increased, Odibo became a target of the apartheid regime, resulting in the prosecution and torture of male priests while foreign bishops were expelled from Namibia.

The situation forced students of St Mary's High School and Onamunama Anglican School to leave the country and join the liberation struggle.

The church was forced to close and relocated to Onekwaya and only resumed after independence.

"We are celebrating the achievements of our church and what our predecessors have done for the people of Namibia spiritually, socially and even politically. Through this Anglican church, we are commemorating their great work."

Guests from Namibia and beyond, including President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, are expected to attend the celebration.