On behalf of the National Olympic Committee and Commonwealth Games Association of Zambia (NOC/CGA Zambia), I extend sincere heartfelt condolences to the Banda family and the nation at large on the passing on of the fourth republican President of the Republic of Zambia Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda.
It is with great shock and regret that we learnt of the untimely demise of President Banda during the evening of Friday 11 March 2022.
President Banda fondly known as RB was a true African leader who was committed to fostering the development of sport in the country.
I profoundly remember his words during the official opening of the Olympic Youth Development Centre (OYDC) which has been renamed to OYDC Zambia – Sports Development Centre, back in 2010 where he said that building sports facilities like OYDC sparked a new drive and momentum towards revamping sports in Zambia.
He said that the establishment of OYDC further gave Zambian youths an opportunity to realize their full potential in sports because they would access the world-class facilities available at the Centre.
The late President has to be credited for playing a critical role during various engagements with International Judo Federation President Marius Vizer which gave birth to the construction of the Regional Judo Centre located at OYDC Zambia – Sports Development Centre.
RB was also known for his influential role as a peacemaker and mediator whenever the need arises.
The nation has therefore lost an adviser, mentor and a father who always provided guidance and advice whenever called upon to do so.
This indeed is a painful loss to all of us in the country and the sports fraternity.
On behalf of the Olympic and Commonwealth Sports Movement in Zambia and my own personal behalf, I extend again, my profound condolences to President Banda's family, and to the Zambian people at large, at this difficult time. And I wish the people of Zambia and the region courage and fortitude in the time ahead.
I urge everyone to celebrate his life and remain grateful to him for his contribution to this great nation.
Our prayer is that God may strengthen his family and close friends in this trying period.
For and on behalf of NOC/CGA Zambia
Alfred Foloko
President
This is a tragic loss of our fourth republican President Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda, for he was very supportive of sports. May his soul rest in peace and hopefully a tournament can be named after him.