Namibians came to celebrate and unveil a statue of Namibia's liberation struggle hero Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo' at Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo Airport at Ondangwa on Friday.

Vice President Nangolo Mbumba described struggle hero Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo as a great freedom fighter, a great statesman and a true patriotic Namibian.

Mbumba said Ya Toivo was one of humanity's great leaders, who left Namibians with memories of a true liberation icon, and whose life, sacrifices and extraordinary contribution to freedom continue to inspire Namibians. "The statue unveiled is a meaningful tribute to a man, who dedicated his entire life to the service of humanity," he said.

Mbumba quoted President Hage Geingob, who said of Ya Toivo, "We have lost a man who epitomises the core ideals that make us the nation we are today. His durable principles and inexhaustible reservoir of compassion, forgiveness, patience and sense of justice allowed him to shun the murky waters of greed and factionalism".

Vicki Ya Toivo described her late husband as a man who had a vision for the Namibian people, and a determined leader who fought for the Namibian people.

"Ya Toivo was a humble man, a progressive and forward-looking person, who would have done anything for his people," she said.

Ya Toivo died at the age of 93 in 2017, and was honoured with a statue as part of maintaining his legacy after the Ondangwa airport was renamed after him in 2019.