The President was speaking in Machinga when he presided over the installation of Paramount Chief Kawinga. Professor Mutharika said chiefs are the custodians of development and must work closely with government thereby instilling a sense of Patriotism-Integrity- and Hardwork among their subjects.

Professor Mutharika has therefore advised the newly elevated Paramount Chief Kawinga to follow democratic principles of leadership and desist from corruption.

The Malawi leader further added that chiefs have to be friendly to their subjects because bad chiefs always delay or disturb development projects. President Mutharika assured people of the Eastern Region that his administration is committed to develop the region as it has a lot of projects for the region which are vital on socio-economic development.

He however appealed to people in the country to stop frustrating government projects.

On food security, Professor Mutharika said people should not sell what they have harvested to illegal traders as ADMARC will soon start buying their farm produce at reasonable prices.

Speaking earlier, UDF President who is also Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development Atupele Muluzi commended President Mutharika for respecting Yao people in the country.

Muluzi said UDF is working with DPP government with an aim of developing Malawi. On this, he said UDF believes in unity and development hence Malawi can develop if people in the country support government agenda.

Minister of Energy, Mining and Natural Resources Bright Msaka SC and Kondwani Nankhumwa who is Minister of Local Government were also among the speakers at the function.

Yao people in Malawi are mainly found in nine districts. They came in Malawi in 1300 from Mozambique. Yao’s in the country are categorized in four groups, namely; Machinga, Mangochi, Masaninga and Chisi.