VP stresses hard work in honouring Nyerere
AS Tanzania marked the Nyerere Day yesterday Vice-President Dr Philip Mpango appealed to Tanzanians to honour the Founding Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere by working hard and fighting corruption.
The Vice President further asked Tanzanians to uphold the existing peace, including imploring them not give room to enemies to divide them.
Dr Mpango made the call yesterday during a memorial mass held at the Mater Misericordiae Cathedral in Bukoba Municipality to commemorate the 23rd anniversary since the passing on of Mwalimu Nyerere.
He represented President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the event.
Dr Mpango described the Mwalimu Nyerere as a devoted leader who sacrificed most of his life to serve poor Tanzanians.
“As we celebrate today the 23rd anniversary of the late Father of the Nation Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, I invite all Tanzanians to join hands to uphold the existing peace and should not give room to enemies to divide us,”she said.
He said apart from leading the then Tanganyika to her independence on December 9th, 1961 from British rule, Mwalimu Nyerere also fought tirelessly to ensure all African countries south of the Sahara get their independence.
He also urged the elite youths especially the diaspora to return home because the nation was in need of specialized experts in different fields.
In his homily, Auxiliary Bishop Methodius Kilaini, the Apostolic Administrator of the Bukoba Catholic Diocese paid tribute to the late Mwalimu Nyerere, describing him as a shining example in leadership positions.
“Mwalimu Nyerere was not a Saint living on earth, but a human being who was always quick to beg for forgiveness when he made an error. This is worth to be emulated. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” he said.
Mwalimu Nyerere was born on April 14th, 1922 at Butiama village, in Mara Region.
He led Tanganyika to her independence on December 9th, 1961 from British rule. He voluntarily retired from leadership position in 1985. He died on October 14th, 1999 at the age of 77 while receiving medical treatment at a hospital in London, Uk.
Meanwhile, speaking at the event to climax the 2022 Uhuru Torch Race, Nyerere Day Commemoration and National Youth Week at Kaitaba Stadium in Kagera, Dr Mpango said climate change remained a big challenge to the country and world at large.
“Honourable President, I ask you that environmental projects in each district should also be inspected by the Uhuru Torch starting next financial year,” he said.
