By William J.Mbangula OSHAKATI The Father of the Namibian Nation, Dr Sam Nujoma, has bemoaned the endless drinking sprees involving some parents that result in the neglect of children. The Father of the Nation was a keynote speaker at a Christmas Party of orphans and vulnerable children he co-hosted with Miss Namibia, Anna Nashandi, at Ongwediva Trade Fair on Sunday. He urged the audience to make sure that the nation returns to its roots and traditional values. Parents who abuse alcohol, he added, have contributed to the suffering of the children because food and other needs are no longer prepared. Only a parent with a sober mind and sense of responsibility will be able to bring up children in a proper manner. Nujoma also advised the children to learn hard, respect their parents and teachers because this is the only way they can achieve success in their lives. “If you don t know where you are and where you are from, you will never know where you are going. If you don’t respect your parents and your nation, you will never be respected by other nations”, he said. He called on traditional leaders, Governors, Regional and local Councillors and churches to ensure that children are brought up in a responsible manner, particularly in the absence of liquor abuse. The occasion was attended by the Governor of Oshana, Clemens Kashuupulwa, and his counterpart of Omusati, Sackey Kayone, Reverend Tshapaka Kapolo of the Council of Churches in Namibia (CCN), the Mayors of Ongwediva, Erastus Uutoni, and Oshakati, Engelbert Atshipara. Some of the sponsors of the event, through the Sam Nujoma Foundation – which included among others, fruits, drinks and school bags – were Koneka Social Club, Shale Group of Companies, Racoc, Oshakati Premier Electricity, United Africa, Oshana Regional Council and the HPK. The Swapo Women’s Council in Oshana Region donated N$500 to Miss Namibia. One of the beneficiaries – Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children – Johannes Nailenge, thanked the initiators and sponsors of the event for making them happy in the absence of their parents. It was revealed that one of the prominent business personalities in Oshakati, Ben Zaaruka of Benz Building Supplies, will host a similar party on December 16.