President Edgar Lungu says government is ready to enter into partnership with stakeholders who have intentions to invest in the development of the youths in the country.
Speaking when he officiated at the ground breaking ceremony of the construction of a Youth and sports development centre by the International Youth Fellowship (IYF) organization in Chilanga district, Mr Lungu said the majority of the Youths in the country require capacity building and skills development.
The Head of State said youths need to be equipped with life skills in the area of agriculture, entrepreneurship and information and communication technology in order for them to be self-reliant.
He explained that Zambia is endowed with vast arable land adding that government wants youths to engage in agriculture development.
President Lungu thanked the International Youth Fellowship for partnering with the government in the development of the youths.
Mr Lungu noted that the construction of the Youth and Sports development centre will play a pivotal role in grooming youths into responsible citizens.
Meanwhile President Lungu has taken a swipe at political leaders who are failing to admonish their youths not to engage in acts of political violence.
Mr Lungu said on several occasions he has counselled youths at different forums in the PF not to engage in political violence.
He observed that so far none of his political opponents have admonished their youths to refrain from indulging political violence.
President Lungu has since appealed to youths not to succumb to pressure from political leaders to indulge in needless violence.
And speaking earlier at the same function, founder of the International Youth Fellowship Reverend Ock Soo Park said once the Youth and Sports development centre is completed it will keep many youths away from indulging in sin.
Reverend Ock Soo Park noted that the centre will be used to draw youths close to God.
Meanwhile Youth, Sport and Child Development Minister Vincent Mwale stated that the construction of the Youth and Sports Development centre will add value and beauty to Chilanga district.
Mr Mwale said once the centre is completed it will serve a lot of youths in Zambia and the entire SADC region.
He disclosed that the Youth and Sports Development centre in Chilanga district will be bigger than the Olympic Youth Olympic Development Centre (OYDC) as it will house skills training centres for youths.
And Mr Mwale praised President Lungu for finding time to grace the ground breaking ceremony of the Youth and Sports Development centre despite the President not having rested after returning from Eastern and Muchinga provinces respective.
Mr Mwale said the presence of President Lungu at the ground breaking ceremony demonstrates the Head of State’s interest in the welfare of youths in the country.
How can leaders of other parties admonish their youths if the same youths are victims of Lungu’s thugs? He should admonish his own youths to stop the madness they are exhibiting all over the country.
Such a lonely occasion without the host, Honourable Keith Mukata – now with the progressive UPND. Zambia Forward!
Was Keith Mukata in attendance ?
Youth please don’t fall for this. It’s election time and they will say anything. They just took away your allowances and now they want to help you. Without your vote they are nothing! Don’t make the same mistake when you voted them in. Now you know! Remember how they beat UNZA students into a coma? Well next time it might be you they are attacking and maybe you won’t be so lucky! Just remember Michael Kaingu when voting!!