Moxico Celebrates Agostinho Neto as Key Architect of National Identity

Luanda: Academics and professionals from Moxico province highlighted, this Wednesday, the first President of Angola and founder of the Nation, António Agostinho Neto, as a figure of 'immeasurable' stature, given the influence of his ideals in the construction of national identity. In statements to ANGOP, on the eve of the celebration of "National Hero's Day," which takes place on Thursday, the interviewees highlighted Agostinho Neto as an "unavoidable" figure in politics, academia, guerrilla warfare, and literature. According to Angola Press News Agency, university professor Viriato Adolfo considers the National Hero a role model to be followed with regard to social peace, culture, science, and work, as he is a unique individual in the country's history. "When we look at the republic's emblem, the national anthem and flag, we are reminded of Agostinho Neto, because he is our role model," he emphasized. For Azevedo Xieto, a 5th-year Geography student, Neto, in addition to politics, academia, and guerrilla w arfare, was also a "seer" for having predicted the future of Angola in his poems. Nurse Daviniel Castro, a healthcare professional for seven years and self-proclaimed lover of Angolan history, suggested the need to strengthen the preservation of Neto's legacy and the promotion of his literature. "We could dedicate the entire month of September to literature, since the nation's founder was cultured, and that would make him immortal," he suggested. Euclides Mupila, a 12th-grade student of Geography and History, emphasized that Agostinho's legacy must be preserved in all spheres of the country's political and social life, as he is the greatest builder of the Angolan nation. António Agostinho Neto was born on September 17, 1922, in Kaxicane, municipality of Icolo e Bengo, province of Bengo, and died on September 10, 1979, in the Russian capital (Moscow), due to illness. This year, the main event of the Hero's Day festivities will be held in the city of Sumbe, capital of the Cuanza-Sul province, under the motto " Let's return to our fields to increase agricultural production."