Bingu commends Lions Club

President Bingu Mutharika has said activities of the Lions Club has contributed immensely in the transformation of the country's economic terrain, which he said was in line with the policies of his government.

The President made the remarks Friday when he opened the 46th 3 day long International Annual Convention of Lions Club district 412, which groups together Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mocambique and Botswana, at Club Makokola in the Lake Shore District of Mangochi.

Mutharika, who was inducted an honorary member of the Lions Club last year, noted that despite the economic difficulties, the Lions Club have continued to assist the underprivileged in various ways, without any financial reward.

"This is quite commendable. The sacrifices that you make have changed the face of Malawi in one way or the other. You have created hope to those who have lost hope. You have fed the hungry. My government notes with seriousness all the contributions to this country," he said.

Mutharika then recognised the role that the Lions Club in Malawi has played in fighting against blindness, an initiative which he said has assisted many Malawians with low income to get assistance.

The Lions Club in Malawi has opened eye hospitals in Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu, which provide eye services for free.

Mutharika told the delegates to the convention that it was his wish to make Malawi a better place to live, more he found it.

"This is a legacy I want to leave for Malawi. I want Malawi to better than I found it. After that has been achieved, I would be a happy person," he said, amid hand clapping from the delegates.

The Malawi leader said his government was overstretched, therefore it was not possible to meet the needs of all the people at the same time.

Mutharika then pledged to support the work of the Lions Club in Malawi and in the whole district 412.

The convention has attracted 200 delegates, who are expected to discuss the challenges that they face in their service to humanity and where possible devise measures for solutions.

In Africa, the Lions Club started in Zimbabwe around the 1950s.