Founder of Everlasting Life Missionary Church, James Chikopa, has implored religious bodies in the country to take a leading role in empowering youths in the country in a bid to enhance the country’s socio-economic development.

He made the remarks in Zomba during the graduation ceremony of nine youths who have completed a six-month tailoring and design vocational training program by the church.

Chikopa said youth economic empowerment is key in the attainment of the Malawi 2063 national agenda as such churches need to be on the fore front in complimenting and supporting government’s efforts on the same.

Meanwhile, Everlasting Life Missionary Church has provided startup capital and equipment such as sewing machines to the graduands and has since advised them to effectively showcase the skills they have attained for the country’s economic gain.

On his part one of the graduating students, Amon Mwase, has lauded the initiative saying the skills he has gained will help him to be self-employed and support employ other young people.