LUSAKA, Oct 25 (NNN-ZANIS) – Zambia, yesterday, marked the 56th anniversary of its independence from Britain, with a low-key main event in Lusaka, the country’s capital, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The event started with the laying of wreaths at the Freedom Statue, in which President Edgar Lungu led senior government officials and diplomats, whose attendance was restricted.
The event later shifted to the State House, for an investiture ceremony, where various people were honoured for their distinguished service to the country, with only 100 people allowed to attend.
This year’s celebration is being held under the theme, “One Land, One Nation, Building Our Future, Proud and Free.”
In his message, the Zambian leader said, the government was determined to make the country a prosperous nation, through improving different sectors of the economy.
Investments in various sectors, such as roads and information technology, were one way of growing the country’s economy.
He further emphasised the need for unity, adding that, it was the dream of the country’s founding fathers, to have a unitary and prosperous country, where every citizen is equal before the law.
“Zambia shall forever be one country, one nation, indivisible and belonging to all of us as its citizens. It does not matter where one comes from, what language one speaks, what faith or political persuasion one holds. We all have a stake in our country,” he said.
The Zambian leader called on the current generation, to emulate the spirit of the founding fathers, who waged the struggle for independence, adding that, they sacrificed everything in order to liberate the country from the shackles of colonialists.
“They came together, regardless of their differences, because they wanted this country to be free. Free from colonial rule and free from exploitation,” he concluded.– NNN-ZANIS
