Mpango stresses hard work to honour Nyerere
MANYARA: VICE-PRESIDENT Dr Philip Mpango has called on Tanzanians to honour the late Father of the Nation Julius Nyerere by working hard to improve livelihoods and raise the national economy.
Dr Mpango made the call on Saturday on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan at a special memorial mass for the late Mwalimu Nyerere held at the Catholic Church Holy Spirit Parish – Babati in Manyara Region.
The mass was held as part of the activities to mark the 24th anniversary of the late Mwalimu Nyerere.
On every 14th of October, each year, the nation commemorates the life and death of Mwalimu in their varied ways and methods, with the official national celebration events, including a church service, being held at national level.
During the event, Dr Mpango encouraged leaders and Tanzanians in general to honour Mwalimu Nyerere by living on his principles of condemning corruption and immoral behaviours, fighting poverty and desisting from amassing personal wealth through dubious means.
“It is the responsibility of Tanzanians to honour him by living the life that he lived because he used his education and talents for the benefit of all people,” Dr Mpango revealed.
The VP said Mwalimu Nyerere also valued the power entrusted to him, adding that the Father of the Nation was humble and self-correcting. “He condemned bad acts which instigated moral decay…he was an environmentalist and fought against poverty.”
Moreover, Dr Mpango commended the Church as well as other religious institutions for its cooperation with the government in the provision of various social services such as education, health, environmental conservation among others.
He added that the government will actively continue to cooperate with the Catholic Church and all religious denominations in the country.
Coupled with that, the Vice-President urged religious leaders to continue praying for the nation’s peace and stability.
The special memorial mass for the late Nyerere was presided over by Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Mbulu, Anthony Lagwen.
The prayer was attended by President Samia and other various leaders and believers from different parts of the country.
Welcoming President Samia to grace the 24th anniversary of the late Nyerere, climax of Uhuru Torch Race and National Youth Week held at the national level at Tanzanite Kwaraa Stadium in Babati Manyara, Dr Mpango underlined the significance of protecting and conserving environment.
“The issue of environment which became the main theme of the Uhuru Torch Race this year is still a big challenge in our nation… I would like to use your platform to urge the Prime Minister’s office and if you (President) will approve this message to continue for another two years to promote environmental protection and conservation in the country,” he emphasised.
This year’s Uhuru Torch Race was themed “Conserve Environment, Preserve Water Sources to Protect Ecology and Ensure Sustainable Development.”
Mwalimu Nyerere died on October 14, 1999 at the St Thomas’ Hospital, in London, UK, where he was admitted to undergo treatment for leukaemia.
Nyerere was one of the leading figures in Africa’s struggle for independence. He led Tangayika to independence from Britain in 1961 and served as president from 1962 to 1985, when he became one of the first post-colonial African leaders to leave office voluntarily.
