In his message on the occasion of this year’s National Day, President Yameen called on the youth to learn from the valuable lessons acquired from the heroic efforts of Al-Sultan Al-Ghaazee Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al-Auzam and ?members of the general public who fought for the independence and religious unity of the country. “Renewing the memories of the National Day Hero, Al-Sultan Al-Ghaazee Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al-Auzam and ?members of the general public who fought for the independence and religious unity of the country, the fight against the Portuguese illuminates that slavery can be turned into freedom if you put forth bravery, courageousness and confidence, even in front of treacherousness,” the message read. “I call on the youth to learn from the valuable lessons acquired from the heroic efforts of our ancestors and of Al-Sultan Al-Ghaazee Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al-Auzam to strengthen our religious and national character in addition to reviving the spirit of nationhood." President Yameen is currently visiting Utheem island in the northernmost atoll of Haa Alif from where Muhammad Thakurufaanu hailed from. In Utheem, the president inaugurated a monument that depicts Kalhu oh funmi , the legendary vessel on which Muhammad Thakurufaanu and his allies travelled to capital Male from Utheem to liberate the country from the Portuguese.