President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has implored upon Malawians from all walks of life to dedicate time and effort in serving their respective communities as part of nation building.

He was speaking at Kamuzu Palace on Friday during the second edition of Zikomo Awards where he honoured 20 Malawians from various sectors who through their trades have gone above and beyond the call of duty to serve the nation.

The Zikomo Awards have since 2021 been deliberately coincided with President Chakwera’s anniversary in office.

“This group, selected from five different sectors, is a representation of the kind of service we ought to celebrate and commend. I know that there are other citizens in our country who are worthy of recognition, including teachers, public servants, civil society activists, faith communities, and many more. While we cannot give an award to everyone who deserves one, we will always endeavour to expand the sectors to be recognized each year,” said the President.

The Malawi leader called upon the awardees to use this recognition by the people of Malawi to do more in service the nation.

“With this recognition, you have been given much, and therefore much more shall be expected of you. And one of the things we shall expect of you is that you will also follow this example by using your platform to recognize others who are likewise doing great things for this country.”

The awardees are outstanding individuals in the fields of Education, Arts, Agriculture, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Youth Entrepreneurship.

Among notable individuals honoured on the day were actresses Enifa Chiwaya and Flora Suya, artist Elson Kambalu, ICT specialist Dr. Rachel Sibande, educationist Temwa Chilenga and agriculturalist Chikoko Chirwa.

There was also a special award – given posthumously – to Martin Nkhata popularly known as “Martse” for his impact on the youth through his music. Martse died on May 23, 2022.