‘Nyerere philosophies live’

MANYARA: PRESIDENT Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan has said the nation will continue solidifying the country’s strong foundations built on the philosophies of the Father of the Nation, the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere.

The Head of State said Mwalimu philosophies have continued to be valid in the present geopolitics of the world.

She, however urged the public to take precautions on the predicted El Nino rains which were expected to start striking at the end of last month to December by cleaning water drainage systems and vacating from dangerous spots.

According to her, Mwalimu philosophies like ‘Uhuru na Umoja, Uhuru ni Kazi, Uhuru na Kujitegemea, Uhuru ni Wajibu’ and many others still live and are valid to-date.

Dr Samia disclosed this while addressing a multitude of people who had gathered at Tanzanite Kwaraa Stadium in Babati, Manyara to mark the 24th anniversary of the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, National Youth Week, including officiating at the climax of Uhuru Torch Race.

“As today marks 24 years after the death of Mwalimu Nyerere, some people might think his philosophies are long gone and outdated but for those of us who are aware of the present geopolitics of the world they are still quite valid  as they were in the past six decades,” said Dr Samia.

She urged Tanzanians to continue upholding the existing peace and unity, noting that for the country’s independence to portray the meaning, people ought to be accountable and should work diligently and be self-reliant.

On El Nino rains, Dr Samia said despite early warnings being released by the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) during Vuli rain season particularly in the Lake zone and Coast regions, nothing much has been done to prevent its impacts from hitting hard.

“I call upon all regional authorities to oversee the issue by taking all necessary precautions…as people who live along valleys and low land should vacate,” she said.

As the whole world faces climate crisis which has continued to wreak havoc, causing floods and long droughts which are leading to food insecurities, the President called for concerted efforts in conserving environment.

“Over 95 per cent of the factors bringing about climate change have to do with  human activities which has led to the destruction of ecology and biodiversity of living things, thereby causing other climate effects like unpredictable rain, drought, destruction of water sources and increasing humidity,” stated Dr Samia.

As per the country’s strategy on environmental management, she said each district is required to plant and grow 1.5 million trees each year. The number will enable to fill the gap of 2.8 million trees lost in the 400 hectares being harvested on annually.

As per the Tanzania Forestry Services Agency (TFS) statistics, the number of trees being planted and grown each year is only 30 per cent of 1.5 million trees.

“Back in the days there was a mechanism to award those who planted the greatest number of trees, therefore the ministry responsible should bring this programme to boost the morale on people to plant trees,” she noted.

Besides, she said that the country needs to keenly look at nomadic pastoralism, indicating that the government is continuing with its endeavour of searching for a clean source of cooking energy, a move aimed to encourage more people to do away with the use of charcoal.

She revealed that charcoal is not only harmful to the environment but also poses health effects on people. On the other hand, the President said that the practice of cleaning farms with fires also needs to be addressed.

As for the youth, the President said the Population and Housing Census of 2022 showed youths (15-35years), the country’s work force, accounted for 35 per cent of Tanzanians.

With this regard, the government has been instituting various measures to ensure youths acquire the right skills for them to be productive, whereby 64 vocational and training colleges are being constructed while 50 others are underway.

Besides, the President emphasised on proper nutrition, public servants’ discipline and integrity.

The Head of State also asked the public, including public servants to collaborate with the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB), Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) and other organs to fight against drug abuse.

“All regional and district authorities should wage a spirited war against  these issues particularly drug abuse…let’s go and ensure those regions that grow  illegal plants throw their weight behind food and cash  crops farming ,” stressed the President.

For his part, Zanzibar Second Vice-President, Mr Hemed Suleiman Abdulla noted that Zanzibar and its people will continue to live as per the aspirations and philosophies of Uhuru Torch which was founded by Mwalimu in close cooperation with Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume who were the founding fathers of Tanzania.

“These philosophies focus on upholding peace, unity and close consultation. Tanzania has continued to witness its people living in peace and tranquility, thereby contributing to their development and that of the country,” he said.

On the Union which was founded by the two-founding fathers of the nation, he said the people of Zanzibar and government will continue to uphold and cherish the merger as well as continuing to raise awareness to the youth to understand all the achievements recorded.