President Paul Kagame has encouraged the young generation  to join leadership positions and contribute to their country’s development.

He was speaking at his 50th birthday party organised by Unity Club at Village Urugwiro on Tuesday.

The President said that his half century birthday was a  turning point where, with accumulated wisdom borne of experiences and achievements over the years, he was looking forward to seeing the younger generation taking on more responsibilities and gaining an opportunity to practice leadership.

Thanking the Unity Club for organising the birthday party in his honour, a relaxed and jovial President Kagame remarked that he was honoured to have had the opportunity to serve and to continue working for Rwanda.

He pointed out that he had been greatly helped in this service by his own family, the family of friends and colleagues he has worked with, as well as the entire family of Rwandans all over the country, many of whom had earlier sent him greetings and best wishes.

Kagame said turning 50 years old in Africa, and especially in Rwanda, and with the eventful life that he himself had led, was no small feat.

On behalf of Unity Club, the vice-chair, Minister in the Office of the President, Soline Nyirahabimana, recounted the many reasons why the members were overjoyed to be celebrating the President’s 50-year milestone.

She expressed the pride that all Rwandans now had at being Rwandan and being recognised as such, emphasising the President’s pivotal role, commitment and achievements in completely turning around what was once a country known only for negative reasons to one that is currently admired and respected internationally.

Unity Club is an association of spouses of cabinet ministers, and current and former women cabinet ministers.

It also recently admitted all spouses of members, including President Kagame, who is an honorary member.

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