Mzuzu Lions Club member Professor Joseph Uta has received the Milestone Chevron Award, the highest international honour a member can receive for long service to the community from Lions Clubs International.
During his 20-year service as a Lion, Uta once served as Mzuzu Lions Club president, club secretary and club education coordinator.
In that period, he championed a number of the club’s charitable works, including the construction of school blocks at Makokotera Community Day Secondary School in Mzimba North.
Uta also led the establishment of Mzuzu Lions Club branch in Mzimba and embarked on several fundraising activities to pay school fees for needy students.
Presenting the award on Saturday at Uta’s residence in Chimaliro, Mzuzu Lions Club service chairperson Prisca Mdziolera said Uta forms a big history of the club as he clocks 20 years as a member out of the 25 years the club has been in existence.
“This is not a mean achievement. The international award means a lot, it symbolises a rank of service towards a commendable job in improving the lives of many to make the world a better place to stay,” she said.
On his part, Uta, who retired as Mzuzu University librarian, said the recognition, which is accompanied by a certificate and badge, was a big surprise.
“I didn’t know what it was about, then I suddenly realised it was my Lions. I don’t even feel worthy of it because usually it is given to district governors and all of those people,” he said.
