Fatimah Khalid Umarji Crowned Thy Speech Master SEASON 1 Champion as Youth Voices Shine for Tobacco Control
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – 19 June 2026
The atmosphere at Mika Hotel in Kabulonga was charged with passion, inspiration, and purpose as some of Zambia’s most promising young communicators gathered for the Grand Finale of Thy Speech Master SEASON 1, a youth public speaking and civic engagement initiative focused on tobacco control awareness, healthy lifestyles, addiction prevention, and public health governance.
The event, which marked the culmination of several weeks of learning, speech development, multimedia engagement, and public participation, brought together government representatives, development partners, public health stakeholders, educators, youth leaders, and members of the public to celebrate the power of youth voices in shaping healthier communities.
After a highly competitive final round featuring twelve outstanding finalists, Fatimah Khalid Umarji emerged as the overall winner and was crowned Thy Speech Master SEASON 1 Champion. Her compelling speech, delivered with confidence, evidence, and conviction, impressed both the judges and audience, earning her the top honour of the competition.
Ruth Mahongo Musonda was awarded Second Prize, while Priscilla Kapya secured Third Prize, completing a remarkable showcase of youth leadership and public speaking excellence.
The competition also recognised two outstanding performances, with Emmanuel Phiri receiving Fourth Prize and Steven Comfort Lungu awarded Fifth Prize. The recognition of the top five speakers reflected the exceptional quality of presentations delivered during the Grand Finale and highlighted the depth of talent among the participating youths.
The twelve finalists each delivered a four-minute speech addressing various dimensions of tobacco control, public health, youth empowerment, addiction prevention, and the importance of strengthening efforts to protect present and future generations from the harmful effects of tobacco use. The speeches reflected extensive research, critical thinking, and a strong commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles and informed public dialogue.
Serving as Guest of Honour delivering the keynote address was Ms. Mable Bene Nedziwe, Director from the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Arts who commended the participants for their courage, preparation, and commitment to using their voices for positive social change. The Guest of Honour praised the initiative for creating a platform that empowers young people to engage meaningfully in issues affecting their communities and the nation at large.
A speech delivered by Mr. Greg Saili on behalf of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) highlighted the importance of investing in youths and health. The address reiterated the harms caused by tobacco and the need to regulate tobacco.
The event concluded with closing remarks delivered by a representative of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Peter Chipimo who applauded the participants for championing tobacco control awareness and encouraged continued youth involvement in promoting public health, emphasising that tobacco continues to destroy people’s lives and the economy. The WHO representative noted that tobacco control remains a critical public health priority and that informed youth voices are essential in building healthier futures.
Throughout the competition, participants were evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges comprising Ms. Yvette Mbewe, Dr. Blessings Kasengele, and Mr. Albert Phiri. The judges conducted a comprehensive assessment of each speech, examining content quality, use of evidence, public speaking effectiveness, creativity, clarity of argument, originality, audience engagement, and overall impact.
In their reflections, the judges commended the finalists for demonstrating exceptional growth, confidence, and understanding of complex public health issues. They observed that the competition had produced not only skilled speakers but also informed young advocates capable of contributing meaningfully to national development and public awareness.
The Grand Finale was ably hosted by Mr. Charles Sampa, who served as Master of Ceremonies and guided the audience through an engaging programme that combined speeches, reflections, awareness, recognition, and celebration.
The event also received valuable support from Delta Tech, which sponsored awards for participants and contributed significantly to the recognition of outstanding performances. Delta Tech donated prizes for the Fourth Prize Winner, Emmanuel Phiri, and the Fifth Prize Winner, Steven Comfort Lungu, while also providing a range of consolation prizes for seven participants in recognition of their dedication, effort, and achievement throughout the competition.
Speaking during the event, Delta Tech Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Delta Kunda Edmond Nguluwe, congratulated all the participants for what he described as an exceptional journey throughout the Thy Speech Master competition. He praised the youths for their commitment, discipline, confidence, and willingness to use their voices to address issues of national importance.
Further opportunities were announced for participants through scholarship support from Limpha Institute. Participants were awarded scholarships in areas including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Global Career Leadership, and Personal Entrepreneurship Ignition, aimed at equipping them with future-ready skills and expanding their opportunities for personal and professional development.
In his corresponded words of encouragement, Mr. Zindaba Mwanza, Business Development Lead at Limpha Institute, expressed confidence in the ability of young people to compete and excel on the global stage. He noted that opening access to emerging technologies, innovative programmes, and digital tools such as Artificial Intelligence would help young people unlock their potential and become leaders in a rapidly changing world.
In another significant development, all participants were awarded Master’s Mentorship Scholarships under the Acme Mastering Institute, providing them with continued access to mentorship, leadership development, personal growth support, and practical guidance from experienced professionals and mentors. The scholarship programme seeks to ensure that the journey initiated through Thy Speech Master continues long after the competition has concluded.
Beyond the competition itself, the event also marked the graduation of all participating youths as Champions of Tobacco Control and Health, recognising their commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles, raising awareness on tobacco-related harms, and encouraging positive behavioural change within their communities.
Implemented by the Master Chimbala Foundation (MCF) with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Thy Speech Master SEASON 1 was developed as a youth leadership, public speaking, and civic engagement initiative aligned with the 2026 World No Tobacco Day theme, “Unmasking the Appeal – Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction.”
The initiative successfully demonstrated the power of youth voices in advancing public awareness and health promotion. Through public speaking, multimedia engagement, mentorship, and civic participation, participants were empowered to become informed communicators and ambassadors for healthier communities.
As the curtains closed on the inaugural season of the programme, one message resonated clearly throughout the venue: when young people are given the opportunity, mentorship, and platform to speak, they can inspire change, influence conversations, and help build a healthier and more informed society.
For Fatimah Khalid Umarji and her fellow finalists, the competition may have ended, but their journey as youth champions, communicators, and advocates for healthier communities has only just begun.
THY SPEECH MASTER, SEASON 1
Your Voice. Your Words. Your Impact.