CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS:Samia calls for unity

DAR ES SALAAM:  PRESIDENT Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan yesterday wished all Tanzanians a Merry Christmas, urging them to remain united and pray for the country’s lasting peace and tranquility during the festive season.

The President shared her message via Twitter, extending her best wishes to all citizens as they celebrate Christmas and prepare for the New Year.

She encouraged Tanzanians to celebrate peacefully and responsibly, embracing love among one another. “Let us celebrate together with our families, relatives and friends in joy and love.

The story of the birth of Jesus Christ should inspire us to reflect on a new beginning in fulfilling our daily responsibilities.

It should remind us to show love to our relatives and neighbours, to be patriotic, to live truthfully and to serve with humility and gratitude,” she pointed out.

President Samia also called on citizens to join in praying for the nation’s continued peace, unity and tranquility. “May the Almighty God bless all of you,” she added.

In a similar spirit, Vice-President Dr Philip Mpango and his wife, Ms Mbonimpaye Mpango, attended a Christmas mass at the Blessed Maria Theresa Ledochowska Parish in Dodoma.

During the service, Dr Mpango reminded the attendees to celebrate peacefully and support those in need.

Dr Mpango also urged Tanzanians to use the Christmas season as an opportunity to reflect on the importance of responsible parenting, emphasising the need to protect children from any form of cruelty.

“We must recognise the role of children in our nation by offering them hope, peace, love and happiness. The future of the nation belongs to children,” he said.

Additionally, the Vice President reminded parents and guardians to spend quality time with their children during the holiday season.

In another development, Dr Mpango instructed security agencies, including traffic police, to continue enforcing road safety regulations to ensure that all Tanzanians can celebrate Christmas safely and peacefully