VEEP challenges youths to be responsible

Vice President, Mutale Nalumango has challenged youths to be responsible as they contribute to national development.

Mrs Nalumango says while youths can take advantage of the current unprecedented time where ideas can be transformed into enterprises, it is important that they stay grounded and remain responsible.

She was speaking in a speech read on her behalf by Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, Permanent Secretary, Kangwa Chileshe at the inaugural Zambia Youth Excellence Awards organized by Zambia Youth Delivery Forum (ZYDF).

The media reports that Mrs Nalumango has observed that the present times give youths unique moments such as allowing them an opportunity for their innovations to be recognized internationally, but they should remain responsible enough to carry themselves with integrity and purpose.

The Vice President reiterated the government’s resolve to create an enabling environment for youths to thrive.

“As Government, we remain committed to creating an environment where your ambitions can thrive, an environment where innovation is supported, enterprise is rewarded and excellence is recognised.  The Zambia Youth Excellence Awards are therefore not just a celebration — they are a call to action. a call to all of us to support youth-led solutions to amplify success stories and to build systems that enable sustained impact,” Ms. Nalumango said.

Speaking at the same event, Zambia Youth Delivery Forum (ZYDF) Executive Director, Nazia Alloo says the awards are a national platform meant to recognise, amplify and connect youth excellence to the broader development agenda of the country.

Ms Alloo said Zambia’s development trajectory for economic transformation, digital inclusion and inclusive growth cannot be achieved without placing young people at the centre.

She added that youth excellence needs to be celebrated at a national scale.

“Looking ahead, our ambition is clear to ensure that youth excellence is not occasional but systemic. Not isolated but scaled.  Not invisible, but nationally recognised and supported.  because when young people rise, Zambia rises,” Ms Alloo said.

Meanwhile, various youths were awarded in different categories such as Christine Musole, who walked away with the Social Media Influencer for National Development Award while the Youth Led Organisation of the Year Award went to the Youth Connect Luapula.