HH eulogises late John Phiri Ödescribes the late Minister of Education John Phiri

By NATION REPORTER

PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has paid glowing tribute to late former Cabinet Minister John Phiri and described him as a man who had dedicated his life to public service.
President Hichilema says the late Dr Phiri has left an indelible mark in the public service after making numerous contributions to national development when he served as Cabinet Minister from 2011 to 2016.
President Hichilema said Dr Phiri’s achievement was well documented in the public service, particularly in the Ministries of Education and Local Government where he diligently served the country.
President Hichilema said this in a speech read on his behalf by Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Gary Nkombo during the funereal church service of the late Dr Phiri at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka.

“During a tour of duty in these Ministries, Dr John Phiri will be remembered for initiating the development of progressive public policies and programmes that positively impacted the livelihoods of our people,” President Hichilema said.

President Hichilema has reiterated the government’s commitment to honoring former national leaders for their dedication and service to the nation, adding that Dr Phiri had left an indelible mark.
And in a moving tribute read for her by Cynthia Nyondo, Dr Phiri’s Widow Edith Phiri described her late husband as an admirable man of resilience, determination and tenacity.
“He was a hospitable man and had a soft spot for victims of abuse. He was always ready to help and accommodate anyone who had such a problem,” she said.
Dr Phiri’s children also shared their fond memories of him.
His son Pemba Phiri described him as a dedicated and exemplary family man while his daughter, Tamara Phiri remembered him as a jovial father with a sense of humor.
“We would always say, ‘if you are moving with dad, before you get where you are going, he would have stopped at least four people just to make them laugh”, She said.
Meanwhile, Dr Phiri’s friend Fackson Shamenda who is also a former Cabinet Minister, remembers him as a courageous man who stood for the truth during the time he served as Cabinet Minister, in order to promote good governance. “I remember about two weeks ago we were attending Michael Sata’s Memorial. We are bringing your friend!” Mr Shamenda jokingly exclaimed.
Dr Shamenda noted that during his time as Minister of Education under the Presidency of the late Michael Satan, Dr Phiri introduced the use of local languages as the language of command in order to ensure quality education for all.