Yesterday, across the country and beyond, Rwandans of all walks of life celebrated the 17th National Liberation Anniversary. Whereas we must continue to cherish the achievements we have registered since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, it is important that after the party we get back to business with renewed commitment to work.

The sense of urgency and purpose that has characterised Rwanda, over the recent years, has greatly accelerated economic growth and given the people the dignity and value that they had been deprived of.

Yet there are still weaknesses in some areas that should be addressed. Challenges such as unsatisfactory customer service, no doubt, undermine the development agenda, and need to be improved as a matter of urgency if the country is to truly emerge as regional service hub.

To reverse the trend, everyone needs to work towards achieving specific and clear targets against which their performance should be regularly evaluated, and upraised. The youth, in particular, should rise to the occasion. They need to quickly match the pace of the country’s transformation process as they strategically position themselves to take over the mantle from those who have paved the way.

To become great leaders of tomorrow, the young generation will need to learn about and appreciate their past, be eager to accumulate experience from the present, and willing to raise the bar for the country’s future aspirations. Above all, they must learn to be resolute, focused and selfless if they are to successfully deliver Rwanda’s dream. Fortunately, everything seems to be playing in their favour, thanks to an enabling environment and supportive leadership.

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