By Chisomo Kambandanga

Nkhata Bay, February 3, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has asked Malawians to emulate selflessness and patriotism demonstrated by the country’s martyrs in order to achieve meaningful national development.

Chakwera made the remarks when he presided over commemoration of Martyrs Day in Nkhata Bay on Sunday.

He noted that the martyrs were a depiction of unflinching patriotism and selflessness as they sacrificed their lives to liberate the country from colonial rule.

Chakwera said modern-day Malawians should adopt the same spirit to overcome socio-economic challenges such as poverty. 

“The death of our parents on March 3, 1959 should remind us all to be patriotic citizens. A patriotic citizen devotes all efforts to fight for their country.

“Martyrs did not have any sophisticated weapons. They used locally available resources to fight back and this is what we need to emulate by using our wisdom and resources to develop this country,” he said.

Chakwera aslo disclosed that he will engage with the minister of justice to work out how all the bereaved families can be compensated.

Minister of Local Government Unity and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda commended political party supporters who attended the commemoration ceremony for being disciplined.

“Previous martyrs’ commemoration events had always been marred by political bickering among supporters of different political parties which used to anger the bereaved families. It is quite pleasant today to note supporters of different political parties singing and dancing in harmony,” Chimwendo Banda said.

Speaking on behalf of the bereaved families, James Thawi thanked Chakwera for laying wreaths at Kakumbi graveyard on the actual martyrs’ graves than laying wreaths on the memorial pillar only as has been the case with his predecessors.

This year’s event was commemorated on the theme: “Remembering our heroes: Upholding their legacy through unity and progress.” 

Notable faces that graced the commemoration included the First Lady, Madame Monica Chakwera, Vice President, Saulos Chilima, Speaker of Parliament, Catherine Gotani Hara, Leader of opposition in parliament, Kondwani Nankhumwa and some cabinet ministers. Among others,