Protect Union, preserve our future, Masauni tells youths

DAR ES SALAAM: MINISTER of State in the Vice-President’s Office (Union and Environment), Engineer Hamad Yussuf Masauni has called on higher learning students and youths across Tanzania to safeguard and defend the foundations of the Union laid by the country’s founders.

Eng Masauni made the remarks yesterday in Dar es Salaam, while officiating a special symposium held in honour of the late Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume, the first Vice-President of the United Republic of Tanzania and President of Zanzibar.

He said Sheikh Karume left a lasting legacy for present and future generations through his efforts to unite Tanzanians and champion the interests of ordinary citizens.

“As we commemorate Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume today, there is much to learn from his life. He was committed to defending the welfare of ordinary people and played a pivotal role in founding the Union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar in 1964,” Eng Masauni said.

He described Karume as a strong leader who advanced social and economic development in Zanzibar, efforts that have continued under successive administrations.

Eng Masauni added that Sheikh Karume will always be remembered for policies that directly benefited the people, including free land distribution, free education, free healthcare, and the construction of modern housing.

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“Karume lived the longheld dream of African unity by working to integrate the continent and pursue the idea of an African federation. His remarkable achievements will never be forgotten,” he said.

Welcoming the guest of honour, the Permanent Secretary in the Vice-President’s Office, Dr Richard Muyungi, noted that the symposium was the first of its kind held in Mainland Tanzania.

It aims to raise awareness among youths about the contributions of the Union’s founders, including Sheikh Karume.

He added that, to promote Union education, the office has developed a public awareness programme targeting various groups in society, including students in higher learning institutions.

The one-day symposium was organised by the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment) in collaboration with the Records and Archives Department.