The power and influence of a place will be in the hands of those who control its resources, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has said.
Speaking at the National Day function held at Dharubaaruge convention centre today, Muizzu said the resources of a place cannot be utilized except through hard work and skills.
"The power and influence of a place will always be with those who own its wealth or resources. Resources will come into their hands through hard work and skill," he said.
Muizzu also said that love for freedom will come only if there is love for one's identity.
"If you can't love your identity, you can't love freedom. If you can't defend your identity, you can't defend freedom. So in order to defend a country, the identity of that country must first be defended," he stated.
Muizzu emphasized that the Maldives has always been a nation of people who stood firm against external threats.
He highlighted how the Maldivians successfully resisted Portuguese military efforts to impose control and enslavement, ultimately defeating the invading forces and reaffirming the country's independence.
Seven people were conferred the National Honor Award at today's function. Nine people and one company received the National Recognition Award while the Highest Honour for Service to Maldivian Nationalism was posthumously awarded to the late Hussain Salahuddin.
