Z’bar VP urges newly graduated security officers to embrace integrity

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR’s Second Vice-president (2VP), Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, has directed newly graduated officers from the Special Departments of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar (SMZ) to apply their professional training in their respective units to drive positive transformation and improve efficiency.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony for officers from the Zanzibar Prisons Service and the Fire and Rescue Force held at the Hanyegwa-Mchana Reformatory Centre, Mr Abdulla said completing the course should now be followed by practical application in the field.

He urged graduates to discharge their duties with professionalism to accelerate institutional effectiveness, while also advancing their skills in both military and civilian education to become well-rounded professionals capable of achieving greater results.

The 2VP reminded officers that the core mission of any security unit is to safeguard the nation’s peace and safety—something that must be upheld without compromise from any individual, group, or institution, whether domestic or foreign.

He emphasised adherence to national laws, regulations and the permanent guidelines governing SMZ Special Departments, noting that all personnel should lead with integrity and view leadership as a responsibility that includes mentoring subordinates, instilling discipline and nurturing patriotism.

Mr Abdulla also cautioned officers against corruption, discrimination, arrogance and abuse of authority, urging them to remain fair in service delivery.

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The Vice-President praised the joint training between the Prisons Service and the Fire and Rescue Force as a sign of strong inter-agency cooperation that should be extended to other SMZ units.

Minister of State in the President’s Office for Regional Administration and Special Departments, Massoud Ali Mohammed, commended President Hussein Mwinyi, who is also Commander-inChief of the SMZ Forces, for his sustained efforts to strengthen the country’s security units.

He called on officers to prioritise national interests, serve with discipline and uphold the reputation of the SMZ.

Zanzibar Prisons Commissioner Khamis Bakari Khamis reported that 85 Prisons Service officers and 69 Fire and Rescue Force officers had completed the sixmonth mid-level leadership course, which covered administration, leadership, combat tactics, law, health and other skills for both national and international assignments.

Delivering the graduates’ statement, Issa Choum Haji said the training had strengthened cooperation between the SMZ and Union Government security units while equipping officers with the skills to serve with patriotism and integrity.