Maravi

(LUSAKATIMES) If talking were an industry, Zambia would be prosperous-President Sata

If talking were an industry, Zambia would be prosperous-President Sata
TIME PUBLISHED - Friday, January 27, 2012, 3:31 pm

President Michael Sata has said Zambians living abroad should emulate their counterparts from other countries who send wealth back home to contribute to national economic development.

President Said it was not good for Zambian nationals in the diaspora to live a comfortable life while the majority of their relatives back home were wallowing in poverty.

Addressing Zambian families living in Adds Abba, Ethiopia Thursday night during a dinner held at the residence of Zambia’s Ambassador to that country, President Sata said those living abroad should not forget about their country.

“Some of you are so detached from Zambia that even your children are failing to speak a local language. You are very comfortable here,” President Sata said.

President Sata sent the gathering into laughter when he observed that if talking were an industry, Zambia would have already prospered to greater heights than where it is now.

He however observed that most people in Zambia just talk about the country and not looking at what they can do for their motherland.

He gave an example of countries such as India which have moved to great heights economically because of having dedicated nationals who were investing back home to contribute to national development.

“Some of you are so detached from Zambia that even your children are failing to speak a local language. You are very comfortable here,” President Sata said.

“You must always think about your poor relatives and see what you can do to improve their welfare,” he emphasized.

President Sata assured Zambians living abroad that the PF administration will welcome ideas or initiatives that are aiming and finding ways of making them contribute to national development.

Over 30 families living in Addis Ababa attended the dinner and were given an opportunity to greet the Zambian Head of state at the high table.

Those who attended the function included Foreign Affairs Minister Given Lubinda, Commerce Trade and Industry Bob Sichinga, Justice Deputy Minister Ngosa Simbyakula and Zambia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia Francis Simenda.

Others were Cabinet Office Permanent Secretary for Administration Annie Sinyangwe, Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Peter Kasanda and other senior officials.

President Sata arrived in Addis Ababa yesterday, accompanied by first lady Dr. Christine Kaseba to attend the AU summit which opens next Sunday.

On Saturday, President Sata will be among 53 heads of state and representatives of government attending the launch of the new AU conference centre and office complex in Addis Ababa.

And Zambia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia Francis Simenda has thanked President Sata for appointing him to serve at the Zambian mission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Ambassador Simenda said it was a rare opportunity for him to be sent to Addis Ababa among the many equally qualified Zambians.

He was speaking at the meet the Zambians living in Addis Ababa Presidential dinner last night held at his residence.

Ambassador Simenda said he will work with Zambians living in Ethiopia to contribute to Zambia’s economic development.

Ambassador Simenda, who took over from counterpart Albert Muchanga, assumed office a week ago.

ZANIS

Labels: MICHAEL SATA

posted by MrK @ 5:41 PM