This week, Angola celebrated the 100th anniversary of the birth of its founder and liberator from Portuguese colonialism Agostino Neto (1922-1979).
In a speech on the occasion of the anniversary, Angolan President João Lourenço stressed that the achievements of the first president of Angola, Neto, should be remembered not only during his birthday but at all times.
He added that Neto’s biography represents a model for current and future generations in terms of courage, dedication, and patriotism and is a model of inspiration
“The memory of Antonio Agostino Neto — the world poet and supporter of African unity — should be remembered by generations, not only for the works he launched in the political, intellectual, and cultural arena, but also for the human values, freedom, and justice that he always championed,” Lourenço added.
Neto was a physician, politician, and poet. He was also a leader of the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) and the first president of Angola whose thinking, convictions, and political action marked a decisive milestone in the history of Angola, both before and after independence.
Consequently, the Angolan government decided that the celebrations of the memory of its founder and liberator will continue throughout 2022 to highlight the path of a leader and politician and their role in spreading the spirit of liberation in Angola and Africa.
