Okahao: Minister of Justice and Labour Relations Wise Immanuel has called on the youth to view culture not merely as history, but as a livelihood. He made the remarks during the official opening of the Ehao Cultural Expo on Monday in Okahao.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Immanuel said young people should be allowed to dream, create, and innovate within this space. He emphasized that their rich traditions, languages, art, music, and customs are more than just symbols of identity; they are assets. They are the seeds from which jobs can grow into businesses, and tourism-driven prosperity.

The minister added that the government, through various ministries and agencies, is committed to creating an enabling environment for cultural and creative industries. This commitment includes capacity building, supportive policies, and infrastructure development.

He highlighted that the Ehao Cultural Expo is a clear example of how culture and commerce can walk hand in hand, as it creates a space where tradition inspires enterprise and where creativity opens the door to economic innovation. Immanuel noted that the Ehao expo is a powerful avenue that blends heritage preservation with economic opportunity.

Immanuel urged all regional councils and local authorities to build on the example of the Ehao Cultural Expo. He encouraged them to create similar platforms that both honour heritage and generate opportunity.

Further, Immanuel explained that cultural preservation is not merely an act of remembrance; it is an act of resilience, pride, and nation-building. He noted that culture forms the bedrock of the collective identity, bringing people together across ethnicities, generations, and geographical boundaries.

He stressed that when people preserve culture, they preserve identity. When they nurture culture, they nurture unity. And when they promote culture, they empower a nation. The expo, held under the theme, 'Unlocking Cultural Tourism and Business Potential,' started on 20 June and will conclude on 28 June 2025.