President Hakainde Hichilema has honored and awarded several distinguished Zambians in recognition of their exceptional contributions and dedicated service to the country.
ZANIS reports that the honors were presented during an investiture ceremony held at State House today as part of activities to commemorate Africa Freedom Day that is observed annually on May 25th.
President Hichilema honored 15 individuals and one institution, Lundazi Secondary School, with recipients drawn from different sectors of society.
The awardees included seven women and eight men recognised for their contribution to Zambia’s development, unity, bravery, sovereignty and public service.
Among the notable recipients was the late, Ackson Sejani, who was posthumously awarded the Order of the Eagle of Zambia Second Division.
Mr Sejani was a veteran politician and former Cabinet Minister who served for more than three decades and represented Mapatizya Constituency as Member of Parliament for four terms in Zimba district in Southern Province.
Cervical Cancer survivor and Cancer Ambassador, Karen Nakawala received the President’s Insignia in recognition of her advocacy efforts against Cervical Cancer.
Ms Nakawala has consistently championed awareness campaigns and promoted early screening, maintaining that no woman should lose her life to a preventable disease.
In the Order of Distinguished Service First Division category, honors were bestowed on Ellie Nzovu, Dr Plyson Muzumara and the late Kapelwa Sikota.
Recipients of the Grand Champion of Freedom Second Division award were, Rosemary Ngulube and Jacob Kapanga Mwila.
Meanwhile, the late Godfrey Shula and the late Chipasha Chola were posthumously honored with the Grand Champion of Freedom Third Division award.
The President’s Insignia of Honor was awarded to William Lublinkhof alongside musicians Emmanuel Chola and Edward Mpundu for their contributions in their respective fields of using music to champion hard work and resilience.
The Head of State also recognised Kenney Sikalongwe, a nurse from Zimba District, with the President’s Insignia of Mercy for assisting a pregnant woman during childbirth.
Lundazi Secondary School received the President’s Insignia of Meritorious Achievement in recognition of its production unit initiative promoting food and nutrition security.
Also honoured under the same category were educationist, Mafunanse  Malenga, proprietor of a private aviation learning institution, and agronomist as well as young commercial farmer, Elizabeth Manda Sianga, who has trained more than 10,000 commercial farmers.
The colourful ceremony attracted high-profile attendance including First Lady Mutinta Hichilema, Vice President Mutale Nalumango, defence Chiefs, traditional and church leaders, former Cabinet Ministers, freedom fighters, Senior Government officials, members of the ruling party and citizens from various walks of life.
The event celebrated the spirit of patriotism, sacrifice, compassion and dedication that continues to shape Zambia’s development.
Meanwhile, Freedom Fighter, Betty Chilunga said the contributions of both departed and living national heroes should inspire citizens to uphold service, sacrifice and unity.
Ms Chilunga noted that peace and stability remain valuable national assets that must be protected and urged Zambians to embrace dialogue, hard work and unity to support the country’s economic growth agenda.
Africa Freedom Day commemorates the founding of the Organisation of African Unity, now known as the African Union, and highlights Africa’s continued pursuit of peace, integration and sustainable development.
This year’s Africa Freedom Day was being commemorated under the theme “Assuring sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems to achieve goals for agenda 2063.”
