President Rupiah Banda has launched the K470 billion re- development of Finance house in Lusaka by the Zambia National Building Society.

The Central Arcade Development project will house a 1 000 capacity automated parcade, a hotel, banks and offices.

The Project which has been financed by the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) is expected to create over 1 000 jobs once completed in 2013.

Speaking during the launch, President Banda urged the National Building Society to ensure they fulfill their mandate of empowering Zambians through well priced housing finance.

President Banda said that home ownership must be encouraged in the country and advised the National Building Society to revive its core business to reach out to a greater number of Zambians.

He also urged NAPSA to ensure that the social security funds are invested wisely for the good of retirees in Zambia.

And president Banda has called on Zambians to support his projects, as this will help the country attain the Vision 2030 of becoming a middle-income country.

And Labor Minister Austin Liato said that allegations in the private media that there was a Kenyan investor involved in the project are untrue and aimed at discrediting the President.

Mr Liato said that the project by the two parastatals is a sign of attractive and conducive business environment that President Banda’s government is providing.

Meanwhile, Zambia National Building Society Board chairperson Joyce Simukoko says the project will have a positive impact on the economy and increase revenue for the Government.

And NAPSA Board chairperson Dominic Mbangu said that his institution will recover its resources within 20 years.

And President Rupiah Banda has said that government is looking for more money to pay retirees benefits.

The President says this is in addition to the K300 Billion released last week to settle retirees benefits. Mr Banda said that government is aware of the challenges retirees are facing in the country.

He said that it was unfortunate that some retirees have continued to suffer. The President was reacting to a plea by the Three Lecturer’s Unions at the University of Zambia who are asking government to settle the outstanding K400 billion arrears.

ZNBC

After 25 years of history-making, life-changing television, Oprah hosts the finale of The Oprah Winfrey Show.

The most famous talk show host has decided to end the show to focus on her production company. Monday kicked off the three-part finale series that included Tuesday’s “Surprise, Oprah! A Farewell Spectacular” at the United Center in Chicago.

Oprah opened her final episode by describing how she got from her start to how the show has gained the success it has today.

The Mississippi native’s show started back in 1983 when as “AM Chicago”  and was later named “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” It was nationally broadcast in 1986.

“I started out with a jerrycurl and a bad fur coat,” said Oprah. The talk show host told her fans how she hosted her first show without an audience . She said she brought in a few chairs and filled the show with staff from the building and people on the street that she “bribed with donuts and coffee.”

Today, Oprah’s show has become one of the most successful talk shows in history. It has made Oprah one of the richest African Americans of the 20th century and she was once the world’s only black billionaire.

“From day one Chicago, you took me in,” she said to her audience in the finale episode. Soon after she started the show something shifted and Oprah said it went from just a job to more. Oprah then told the audience that she always wanted to be a teacher and became one to the biggest classroom, though sometimes she was the teacher but mostly everyone else taught her.

“This will be our last class from this stage,” said Oprah.[pullquote]Everyone has a calling, and your real job in life is to figure out what that is and get about the business of doing it,” she said. “You have to know what sparks the light in you so that you in your own way can illuminate the world. … Wherever you are, that’s your stage, your circle of influence. That’s your talk show, that’s where your power lies. … You have the power to change somebody’s life[/pullquote]

With no guests or surprise for this episode, Oprah decided to dedicate her final episode to sharing what her audience taught her over the years.

She began sharing her most touching videos beginning with an episode involving a woman who felt people’s energy. After the episode Oprah kept a plaque on her wall that quoted the guest and asks each person to “Be responsible for the energy they bring.”

She went on to share other touching moments of past guests including sexually abused men who all first unveiled themselves on “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”

She also thanked her fourth grade teacher Mrs.Dunkin, who appeared back in 1988 too, who Oprah said “first validated her,” and made her feel like she “mattered.”

“You and this show have been the great love of my life,” Oprah said to viewers as the final show came to a close. ”I won’t say goodbye but say, until we meet again.”

In a special episode that aired Wednesday as part of a three-part farewell, a slew of celebrities and even more fans came together to pay tribute to the most famous talk show host in history.  The star studded lineup included Tom Hanks, Dakota Fanning, Jerry Seinfeld, who performed a routine, Madonna, Tom Cruise, Halle Berry, Beyonce, John Legend, Jamie Fox, Dr. Phil, Stevie Wonder, Patti LaBelle, Aretha Franklin, Rosie O’Donnell, Usher and Stedman Graham.

“This last hour is about me saying thank you; it is my love letter to you,” she said. “I want to leave you all with the lessons that anchor my life. Every day that I stood here I knew that this was exactly where I was supposed to be. There was many a day I came to work tired, but I showed up because I knew that you were waiting, you were waiting for whatever we had to offer. That’s why I never missed a day in 25 years.”

Over the course of 60 minutes Wednesday, Winfrey inspired laughter, but it’s also fair to say that she simply felt the need to inspire. The 57-year-old media mogul told her viewers she hoped they would take what she’s given them and turn their everyday lives into their own personal stage, to realize they also have the power to affect and change lives.

“Everyone has a calling, and your real job in life is to figure out what that is and get about the business of doing it,” she said. “You have to know what sparks the light in you so that you in your own way can illuminate the world. … Wherever you are, that’s your stage, your circle of influence. That’s your talk show, that’s where your power lies. … You have the power to change somebody’s life.”

The other lesson the show has taught her, she said, is how important it is to grasp the concept of your own worth. “The show has taught me that there’s a common thread that runs through all of our pain and suffering: unworthiness,” Winfrey said. “We can all block our own blessings because we don’t feel inherently good enough or smart enough or pretty enough. The show has taught me that you’re worthy because you were born and you are here. You’re being here, and being alive, makes you worthy. You alone are enough.”

And, of course, if you want to still hear from Oprah, you can. She said during the finale that her new e-mail address is [email protected]. “It’s the personal e-mail account for all of you,” Winfrey said, adding if there’s something in your inbox from that address, it’s from her directly. “I want you to know that what you have to say matters to me.”

In the end, Winfrey said her departure isn’t bittersweet, but rather “all sweet and no bitter.”

“Every single day I came down from my makeup room, I’d offer a prayer of gratitude for the opportunity to have done this work. To be embraced by all of you, it’s one of the greatest honors a human being can have,” she said.

“Many of us have been together for 25 years. … So I thank you all for your support and trust in me. I thank you for tuning in every day. … I won’t say goodbye, I’ll just say, ‘Until we meet again.’ ”

[Long Island News;CNN entertainment]

Oprah Winfrey has been a great inspiration to Lusakatimes and we wish her all the best in the next chapter of her life

Investigations into alleged illegal land allocation among Lusaka City Councilors have revealed several irregularities.

As a result of these allegations, Local Government Minister, Brian Chituwo, on 21st January this year, suspended the council and further ordered for an investigation.

The councilors are alleged to have shared among themselves, the majority of plots in the Lilayi housing project.

And Dr Chituwo yesterday told Journalists in Lusaka that after the investigations, glaring irregularities were unearthed.

Dr. Chituwo has added that he will next week make public the details of the report on the investigations.

[ MUVI ]

Tourism Minister, Catherine Namugala has advised the people of Chiawa to resolve their land wrangles in collaboration with their traditional leaders.

Ms. Namugala says it is important that traditional leaders and their subjects dialogue whenever there is a problem between them.

Chiawa villagers have written a public letter in which they’re expressing concern over a community, they allege, has been sold by the traditional leadership.

In the letter, the villagers are further claiming that the respective camp was sold to a named foreign investor without their knowledge.
[ MUVI ]

VETERAN politician Sikota Wina has advised Patriotic Front (PF) president Michael Sata not to be fooled by the people of Western Province.

“Lozi people are very complicated. They can smile at you but not vote for you,” he said.

Mr Wina was commenting on Mr Sata’s recent campaign trail in Western Province.

He said Mr Sata’s failure to meet the Litunga during his visit to the province speaks volumes of his clear intentions.

Mr Wina said he appreciates to see the fruits of the dreams of freedom fighters.

He said Zambia has a President who is committed to development.

He called upon people to remain calm during and after elections.

“Let’s remain calm and let policies speak for themselves.

President Banda’s acts and performance speak for themselves. We have seen infrastructure development, an improvement in health and agricultural sectors,” he said.

And a concerned Lozi, Masiliso Macwani, said he found Mr Sata’s rally speeches in Mongu and Senanga as shallow and an insult to the people of Western Province.

He said Lozis are not short-sighted and short of memory to forget Mr Sata’s unwarranted attacks on them during the 1995 and 1996 regimes when he was in government.

“Maybe the greedy lozis and traitors who are ignorant about him, and only want financial support, will support him,” he said.

Mr Macwani said in one of the tabloids in 1995 whilst Mr Sata was in government he said the MMD government would not allow feudalism, Barotseland Agreement or Lozi government.

He said Mr Sata also warned Lozis not to tread on dangerous grounds unless they wanted war.

Mr Macwani said in 1996 Mr Sata threatened to withdraw the Chieftainship recognition on the Litunga.

“One wonders where he could have gotten this authority. Lozis, is this the man we want to support?”

Mr Macwani said it is suicidal to support Mr Sata because he just wants to use the people of Western Province as riders to State House and later dump them.

He urged Mr Sata to avoid speaking about national issues he doesn’t know because he allegedly exposes his ignorance.

“Hoaxing is a crime punishable by law and could lead someone to jail,” he said.

He wondered what Mr Sata wants to restore when nothing has been destroyed or misplaced concerning issues of the Agreement.

He said in the yellow book on page 1503, Government pays K120 million towards the Barotseland Agreement to the Litunga.

“So how can he restore what already exists? The only thing is to renegotiate for a new token and not restoration,” he said.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

FORMER President Frederick Chiluba says he has experienced President Banda’s leadership and does not doubt his capabilities of steering Zambia to greater heights.

Dr Chiluba told journalists at the Freedom Statue in Lusaka yesterday that Zambians all over the country are benefiting from President Banda’s “efficient” government.

He said he is able to commend President Banda because he has seen development countrywide, and is not talking without basis.

“I have experienced President Banda’s leadership, and I enjoy it because it is practical. When you are asked about his leadership, you point to things that you have seen. God bless the President,” Dr Chiluba said.

He said Zambians have the huge task of choosing the person they want to lead them, and must judge who is a leader and who is not.

Dr Chiluba said he has observed that some political leaders have no clear policies and programmes for this country, but want to talk everyday to try and attract voters.

“Democracy makes some people sound foolish. They are so loud, but they have no programmes for the people of Zambia. A wise person cannot be talking 24 hours a day. They keep yapping about nothing. Zambians must ensure they elect a leader with an agenda for their country,” Dr Chiluba said.

The former head of State said what some people do not understand is that democracy is about understanding each other, and not about exchanging bitter words.

He said Zambia is now enjoying peace, and that the current scenario is different from the colonial days when even indigenous policemen and women were harassing their own brothers and sisters to please their colonial masters.

[pullquote]“Democracy makes some people sound foolish. They are so loud, but they have no programmes for the people of Zambia. A wise person cannot be talking 24 hours a day. They keep yapping about nothing. Zambians must ensure they elect a leader with an agenda for their country,” Dr Chiluba said.[/pullquote]

He said peace comes with a price, and that this is why Zambians must ensure they vote for someone who will uphold it.

“There must be no disruption to this peace. It has to continue,” Dr Chiluba said.

And Dr Chiluba has spoken out on Western Province saying it is a part of Zambia and must remain as such.

He said any calls for a separate state must be ignored because Zambia is a united State.

He said the people of Western Province must be careful and judge for themselves who is telling them the truth.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

A freedom fighter Henry Nkonde Kalulu has bemoaned government’s lack of commitment to take care of those who labored for the country’s independence from the British colonials in 1964.

Mr. Kalulu who has traveled from Chinsali district in Northern Province to attend the African freedom Day in Lusaka today told QFM in an interview that government has not done enough to ensure the welfare of freedom fighters in the country.

He says a number of people who fought liberation struggles for Zambia have died without recognition from government adding that this trend should come to an end.

Mr. Kalulu who was blocked from meeting Republican President Rupiah Banda at the freedom statue by security personnel says he is seeking an audience with the President to explain the plight of freedom fighters in the country.

The 76 years old freedom fighter says leaders should recognize and respect all those who fought for the independence of Zambia.
[ QFM ]

PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda has reinforced his commitment to building a better future for all Zambians, particularly young people, by providing a stable economy and strengthening Zambia’s investment climate.

Mr Banda said in a statement released yesterday by Special Assistant to the president for Press and Public Relations Dickson Jere, to mark Africa Freedom Day that his Government had helped boost employment and training opportunities, especially for young people who were at the heart of Zambia’s future.

He said this year’s theme, “Accelerating youth empowerment for sustainable development”, was appropriate because youths, who formed 68 per cent of Zambia’s population, were important in national development and could not be ignored.

President Banda said young people were an important human resource which should be harnessed if the country was to develop.

He pledged continued youth empowerment, through initiatives such as the Youth Development Fund and Citizens Economic Empowerment Fund which he said eased access to finance for youth entrepreneurs.

“My great hope for Zambia is that we become a country where every single man, woman and child has the opportunity to enjoy a peaceful and happy life, where they can work, learn and, most importantly, for the youth of Zambia, help build on the foundations of tomorrow’s Zambia,” Mr Banda said.

The president, in saluting the ideals of the day, which commemorates the formation of the Organisation of African Unity 48 years ago, said he had worked to bring opportunity to all Zambians.

“Zambia is a role model for all of Africa, a country which, through hard work, commitment and partnership, has developed into a place in which we can all be proud,” he said.

President Banda said Zambia had made huge progress since independence, becoming a country that prized the values of freedom, security and stability for all people.

Zambia’s economy has boomed, supported by his Government’s prioritisation of health and education policies, which had helped cement the country’s position on the world stage.

“On African Freedom Day, I urge all the people of Zambia to come together, regardless of political or social preferences and celebrate the huge achievements our country has made. Our future is in your hands – we will build it together,” he said.

[Times of Zambia]