By ALICE NACHILEMBE
Chingola District Commissioner Agnes Tonga has called on the youths in the district not to be paid to hurt others.
Speaking during the commemoration of Youth Day today in Chingola, Ms Tonga said the gassing and hacking security situation which surrounded Chingola was due to some youths’ greediness of being paid to hurt others.
She said it is important for youths to be offered opportunities in which they can enhance their knowledge and skills in various sectors, rather than being involved in inhuman behaviour.
Ms Tonga said that it is also imperative for government to engage with youths socially, politically and economically.
She said the theme for this year ‘I take the lead’ could not have come at a better time when all need to channel efforts towards ensuring that the youths are actively taking the lead in the development process of the country.
Ms Tonga said the country will not achieve its goals of becoming prosperous and middle income country by 2030 without the youths taking lead.
She said the youths of today should take the lead in unity toward the economic emancipation like the forefathers who fought for independent.
The DC said that the youths of today are a generation that should bring solutions to make themselves and the country self-reliant.
Ms Tonga challenge today’s youths to go an extra mile in coming up with innovative ideas on how to contribute to the development of this country.
She said the active involvement of government in engaging youths in various development work is commendable and encouraged institutions to bring youth on board in taking a lead to develop Zambia.
“My government will enhance the provision of internships and job placements for the youths. In this regard my government is considering introducing a levy to support wages to employ interns to gain work experience,” she said.
Chingola Mayor Titus Tembo told the youths to say no to violence and not to be used as tools of violence but take up the lead in actives that will enhance livelihood in society.
The Mayor encouraged the youths to fight hard through education which is the best equalizer.
Mwila Chonde who spoke on behalf of the youths said that this is the best opportunity for youths to consequently reflect on their contribution toward economic growth.
He called on youths to find ways in which to serve the nation by lifting one another and desist from violence.
