Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
President Edgar Lungu has directed new Minister of Youth, Sport and Child Development Emmanuel Mulenga to expedite the full implementation of the 2015 National Youth Policy and Action Plan.
President Lungu has also directed Mr. Mulenga to ensure that appropriate skills are developed in order to empower youths in the country.
ZANIS reports that the Head of State said this when he swore-in Mr Mulenga at State House in Lusaka today.
The President says his administration and the PF remain committed to promoting and improving the welfare of youths in the country.
President Lungu acknowledged that Zambia’s population is largely youthful as it is made up of over 60 youths who need to be engaged in productive activities.
He has challenged the new minister to inspire youths and sway them away from vices such as drugs, alcohol abuse and promiscuity to avoid being afflicted by HIV/AIDS.
He says there is need to engage the defense forces to see how to synergize ideas and innovate productive activities among youths in order for them to contribute to the country’s development.
The President says there is need to give youths necessary and adequate skills so that they can play a part in the economic agenda of the country.
President Lungu further directed Mr Mulenga to engage the Ministries of General and Higher Education to increase the intake of youths in trade schools around the country.
And President Lungu has implored the new Minister of Youth and Sport Emmanuel Mulenga to ensure that the country’s footballing fortunes are turned around.
He notes that it must have been disappointing for Zambian fans to watch the just ended 2019 Africa Cup Finals in Egypt without Zambia’s participation.
The President urged Mr Mulenga to consider calling for a national sports indaba to consider solutions to Zambia’s declining sports fortune and reputation.
President Lungu says football unites every Zambian and therefore must ensure that there is consultation with stakeholders to promote football.
He has urged the Minister of Sports not to ignore other sports disciplines but work towards reviving all minor sports in the country.
President Lungu urged Mr Mulenga to engage the Zambia Amateur Athletics Association (ZAAA) to ensure that people are allowed to undertake fun runs without any hindrances in order to promote wellness in the country.