By Burnett Munthali
Blantyre South legislator Noel Lipipa has urged Malawians, including politicians, to embrace a reading culture and to cultivate the courage to pursue their ambitions regardless of challenges. He emphasized that success is attainable for those willing to defy odds and think beyond conventional approaches.
Lipipa made these remarks in Blantyre during the double book launch of Healing from Brokenness and Defying the Odds, written by renowned author and publisher Hope Jabes. The event, which brought together literary enthusiasts, business figures, and academics, served as a platform to discuss the transformative power of books in shaping individuals and society.
In his speech as the guest of honour, Lipipa highlighted the importance of reading not just for intellectual growth but also for broadening perspectives and inspiring action. He stressed that those who read widely are more likely to make informed decisions and challenge the status quo in their respective fields.
“I encourage everyone to make reading a habit. It is through books that we gain new knowledge and find inspiration to accomplish what others think is impossible,” Lipipa said. He urged Malawians to embrace the lessons of resilience and determination presented in Jabes’ books, stating that ambition alone is not enough—one must have the courage to break barriers and pursue greatness.
The books launched—Healing from Brokenness and Defying the Odds—explore themes of overcoming adversity and embracing a victorious life. Author Hope Jabes explained that her works are aimed at empowering readers to navigate life’s difficulties and emerge stronger. She shared her own journey of resilience, emphasizing that struggles should not define a person’s future but rather serve as stepping stones to success.
In a remarkable show of support for Malawi’s literary industry, Lipipa purchased a copy of each book for MK500,000, demonstrating his commitment to fostering a culture of reading and supporting local authors. His gesture was widely applauded, with many attendees noting that such initiatives encourage authors and inspire more people to engage with literature.
The event underscored the growing recognition of literature as a tool for personal and societal transformation. It also reinforced the need for leaders to advocate for knowledge acquisition through reading. As Malawi faces complex economic and social challenges, Lipipa’s call for a more informed and proactive citizenry through literature is both timely and necessary.
With figures like Hope Jabes contributing to Malawi’s literary space, and leaders like Noel Lipipa championing the importance of reading and ambition, there is hope that more people will be inspired to embrace books not just as sources of entertainment, but as instruments for change and empowerment.
