Africa-Press – Tanzania. VICE-PRESIDENT Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi has challenged Tanzanian youth to uphold and safeguard the country’s unity and cohesion, describing it as a priceless foundation laid by the late Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere.
He made the call yesterday in Dodoma during the Youth and Mwalimu Nyerere Conference, held to mark the 104th anniversary of Nyerere’s birth, where he reaffirmed the sixth phase government’s commitment to preserving national unity in line with the founding leader’s vision.
Dr Nchimbi said the youth must continually reflect on their responsibility to protect the values instilled by Nyerere.
“Young people must ask themselves: Are we prepared to be honest? Will we safeguard the unity we inherited? Are we ready to fight corruption and resist temptations that undermine our integrity? And are we willing to use our education for the benefit of our nation?” he said.
He underscored the need to strengthen integrity across all sectors, both at individual and institutional levels while empowering youth to use their knowledge and skills to drive development and enhance economic self-reliance.
The Vice-President reminded youth that the responsibility of building the nation rests heavily on their shoulders.
“This is the duty of this generation. Work hard and with integrity so that 100 years from now, future generations will appreciate your contribution,” he stressed.
Dr Nchimbi said Mwalimu Nyerere laid a strong foundation of peace, unity and stability, building a nation that embraces all people regardless of religion or ethnicity.
“We were fortunate to have a leader who deeply loved his country, detested corruption and rejected abuse of power both in word and action,” he said, warning leaders against misusing public resources.
He added that Nyerere’s belief in human dignity guided Tanzania’s unwavering support for liberation struggles across Africa.
“Every African nation that gained independence after Tanganyika recognises his contribution. That is why Tanzania remains highly respected globally,” he said.
Dr Nchimbi further urged the Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Foundation to prioritise commemorating Nyerere’s birth anniversary, noting that the country benefited more from his life than his passing.
Board Chairman of the Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Institute, Mizengo Pinda, urged youth to cultivate a culture of learning the history of the Father of the Nation and reading widely about his work and Africa’s liberation struggle.
He said young people are the backbone of development and should not lose hope, adding that the Institute will continue guiding them, especially emerging leaders to emulate positive role models and uphold strong values.
The Chairperson of the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Memorial Institute and former Cabinet Minister, Paul Kimiti, reiterated the need for youth to align themselves with Nyerere’s principles.
He cautioned that ignoring the values laid down by the Father of the Nation could endanger peace and national development.
Kimiti also urged youth to use social media responsibly, saying the digital space should advance national interests rather than spread misinformation or tarnish leaders’ image.
He reminded participants that the Uhuru Torch, first lit atop Mount Kilimanjaro on December 9, 1961, by young Brigadier Alexander Nyirenda symbolises the responsibility of youth in driving development, unity and patriotism.
Presenting a paper on President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s vision for empowering youth, Chief Executive Officer of the Judiciary of Tanzania, Prof Elisante Ole Gabriel, said the President has demonstrated strong commitment to young people by establishing the Ministry of Youth and strengthening the Youth Development Fund.
He urged youth to take advantage of available opportunities, noting that Mwalimu Nyerere founded TANU at the age of 32, while many youths today lack the boldness and ambition needed to transform society.
Prof Ole Gabriel called on young people to diversify their skills, avoid idleness and move away from the mindset of waiting for employment.
“Ignorance and lack of initiative in youth lead to regret in old age. Do not be singleminded; jobs exist, but youth must create them and turn challenges into opportunities,” he said.
