The function was organised by several churches in order to share a common platform so as to reflect what the nation has gone through in the 51 years of its independence.
The theme for the commemoration service was “Building a responsible Nation, Trusting in God for Economic Transformation.”
During the event, President Mutharika read scriptures from the book of Genesis 41 Verse 14-16 and 33-41.
Speaking before the gathering, Arch Bishop Thomas Luke Msusa reflected on the highs and lows this country has experienced over the years.
Msusa believed that all is not lost for this nation and that it is the responsibility of each and everyone to make sure that this nation progresses.
“As a nation, it is sad that we are rated as one of the poorest in the world, but why is it that we are poor?” He queried.
He further said that it is the duty of all of us to make sure that this country develops economically and that “There is no way we must continue being poor rather take part in developing this nation economically by fearing the Lord and having morals.
“The only way to develop this nation is to have morals. This can only be done by fearing the Lord , a nation which does not fear the Lord will not be afraid of committing sins which result in abuse of resources, corruption and waste of tax payers money which could have been used to develop this nation.” he said.
Bishop Msusa thanked Mutharika for the appeal he made to the world when Malawi was hit by floods and the response which the government made to those that were affected by the floods.
However, Msusa urged the government to take the social responsibility of making sure that there is maize availability in the country bearing in mind that country was hit by floods and the dry spell which affected the yields of the last growing season.
In his closing remarks, Msusa told Malawians to love each other as God continues blessing Malawi and take the responsibility of developing his nation.
The function was also attended by the Vice President Saulosi Chilima, cabinet ministers, parliamentarians, business captains, Christmas and Muslims from across the country and Malawians of Good will.
