Luanda - The president of the Sagrada Esperança Foundation, Roberto de Almeida, considered Agostinho Neto, the first President of Angola, "an indomitable fighter who dedicated his entire life to achieving the country's independence".
In an exclusive interview with ANGOP, on the occasion of the 102nd (one hundred and second) anniversary of the founder of the Nation, which will be celebrated on the 17th of this month, Roberto de Almeida spoke of Neto's strategic vision, who assumed a nationalist conscience very early on and freed himself from the clutches of colonialism in Lisbon, in a process that had the support of several progressive movements.
He stressed that Agostinho Neto, who is also his direct relative, devoted himself completely to the struggle for national liberation, advocating, therefore, the need to always honour his memory and celebrate "all the effort he made to make Angola an independent country today".
In the interview he gave to ANGOP, which will be published in full in the coming days, Roberto de Almeida talks about his stay at the home of Agostinho Neto's mother (his aunt), in the Operário neighbourhood (currently the Dr António Agostinho Neto Cultural Centre) with his sister Deolinda Rodrigues and his younger brother, Adão, father of the current Minister of State and Chief of Staff of the President of the Republic.
What strikes him most about Agostinho Neto is his determination, his unwavering faith in the liberation of Angola and his courage to face all obstacles until he reaches his main objective, the achievement of independence.
The current chairman of the Board of Directors of the Sagrada Esperança Foundation also spoke about the projects underway at this national public utility institution that pursues cultural, scientific and educational purposes.
He announced that the Foundation had laid the first stone for the construction of the Kinanga building in downtown Luanda, a high-end 27-storey housing project that is expected to create around 200 jobs at its peak.
The Sagrada Esperança Foundation, which manages other assets in the country and abroad, also has plans to build a hotel in the Hotel Panorama building on Luanda Island, which has been abandoned for many years and is being occupied by locals.
A prominent figure in Angolan politics and society, Roberto de Almeida has held several government positions over the past 30 years. He has headed ministries, presided over the National Assembly and was vice-president of the MPLA. DC/ART/TED/DOJ
