Omaheke Governor Pijoo Nganate has reminded traditional authorities that it's high time they acquaint themselves with the seven pillars of the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) to address regional development.

Nganate made this remark at the annual Okeseta Commemoration Day.

Pillars such as agriculture, youth empowerment, land, housing and sanitation are designed to be the engines of the national economy, Nganate said.

He therefore called on traditional leaders to embrace them and build strong plans to improve the lives of their communities.

Nganate added that agriculture remains a critical enabler that can transform the fortunes of the Omaheke Region.

"I was also in Aminuis, where I happened to see one community garden, but it cost more than N$9 million to revive that project. I also visited the Ovambanderu community garden at Okovimburu village in Epukiro. There is another village in Otjinene where all households have backyard gardens. The people who cannot feed themselves will never truly earn respect, and it is something that we must take into account, and it applies to everyone."

The leader of the Ovambanderu Traditional Council, Aletha Nguvauva, called on the traditional leaders to spearhead development in their areas.

Nguvauva also appealed to traditional leaders to promote peace and unity.

"We Ovambanderu are very fragile, and if you yourselves can't find ways of making a better living, it's our own mistake. Other communities stood up and worked; hence, it's time to work hard. You know very well we are going through various challenges, but let's find ways and work."