 Fellow citizens, good evening. It is with great pride that we address you tonight on the eve of our 59th Independence Anniversary. On 24th October 1964, Zambia became an independent country. This marked the beginning of a new era, an era of freedom from colonial rule, an era of self-rule and determination, and an era of national sovereignty. The rising of the national flag at the Independence Stadium on the day signified the birth of our beloved country Zambia. Tomorrow, we remember the dream and ambition of our founding fathers and mothers to build a united, prosperous, independent nation, a nation of work and joy, a nation determined to meet our aspirations. We also take time to reflect on our journey and the progress we have made towards realizing our national aspirations. Indeed, this day is important to every citizen. We remember and honor our brave men and women for the sacrifices they made to attain our independence. Remember Kenneth David Kounder, Harry Mwangan Kumbola, Simon Monsaka Puepue, Nalumino Mundia, Hanfrim Lemba, Ruben Kamanga, and Mama Julia Chikamonega, among so many others. Our freedom fighters had a clear understanding of the challenges they faced, but they still fought selflessly for our country. Dear citizens, the theme for our 59th Independence Anniversary is Accelerating National Development through Equitable Distribution of Resources. This theme reinforces our focus on taking development to all parts of our country. Every citizen deserves a fair share of our collective wealth as a nation. Indeed, every citizen is capable of contributing to accelerating our national development. We are committed to promoting inclusive development and a fair society, as inclusiveness is key to attaining accelerated national development. We need to work together if we are to become a prosperous middle-income country by 2030. Fellow citizens, we commemorate our 59th Independence Anniversary at a time when we as a country have made progress in restoring stability. We have secured a debt-restructuring agreement with our official creditors, enhanced investor confidence in our economy, and increased funding for development in all our 156 constituencies across the country. Our country is now a beacon of peace and democracy in the region and beyond. We must all continue to maintain peace for present and future generations. Without peace, there can be no prosperity. Fellow citizens, the strengthening of local governance and citizen participation is indeed contributing to accelerating our national development. The enhanced constituent development fund is improving the welfare and livelihoods of our people in every part of our country. Fellow citizens, as government, we reiterate our commitment to harnessing the capabilities of our youth and women. Our youthful population presents an enormous opportunity for us to accelerate national development when we open up opportunities for them to positively engage with government and the private sector. We have no reason to be a poor nation. We have minerals, wildlife, water, land, and a favorable climate. We have a responsibility to add value to these God-given assets so we can accelerate the growth of our nation. Fellow citizens, the prospects for our future are bright, despite the challenges that we face as a country. We are creating strategic partnerships at regional, continental, and global levels to promote investments, trade, jobs, and other opportunities in our communities. With continued hard work, and I mean hard work, real hard work, and increased investments, we are building the foundation for a stronger future. To age all our people, to take advantage of their valuable opportunities in all sectors of our economy, to increase productivity, and ultimately, better their lives. Fellow citizens, as we commemorate our Independence Day, let us be good to each other. Let us continue to promote unity under our national motto of one Zambia, one Nation, one Nation, one People. As we celebrate Zambia at 59 tomorrow, let us do so responsibly. Let law and order prevail in our celebrations. Let us refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol and other substances. Fellow citizens, wish you a happy 59th Independence Day and another year of peace and unity. May God bless us all. May God continue to bless the works of our hands. May God continue to bless our country Zambia.