Magufuli gifts Tanzania ex-presidents with 100 peacocks

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President John Magufuli on Saturday May 30, gave 100 peacocks to Tanzania ex-presidents, recognizing their role in conserving the rare birds when they were in office at the country’s State House in Dar es Salaam.

Dar es Salaam. President John Magufuli on Saturday May 30, gave 100 peacocks to Tanzania ex-presidents, recognizing their role in conserving the rare birds when they were in office at the country’s State House in Dar es Salaam.

The event took place at the Chamwino State House in the Tanzania capital city Dodoma shortly before laying the foundation stone for the construction of State House offices.

Twenty five peacocks were provided to the founder of nation, the late Julius Nyerere and were received on his behalf by his widow, Maria Nyerere.

The second phase president Ali Hassan Mwinyi, the third phase President Benjamin Mkapa and the fourth phase President Jakaya Kikwete were each provided with 25 peacocks.

Speaking during the event, President Magufuli said after assuming office in 2015, he improved bird’s husbandry including the procurement of an incubator that was capable of hatching 1,000 eggs at a time.

“The Chief Secretary has made transport arrangements for the birds. Whenever a single bird dies during the transportation, let us know in order for us to make a replacement.”

During the event, the Chief Secretary John Kijazi said the birds have been gifted to ex-presidents in recognition of the roles played by each of them in keeping the birds at their respective terms in office.

“On behalf of State House workers, I would like to propose that you also be awarded with the birds before your retirement to recognize the good job done. Other gifts will be provided to you after retirement,” he said.

In his vote of thanks on behalf of the ex-presidents, Mr Kikwete said thanked President Magufuli for invitation, reward and recognition.

“It has been our desire to have the birds in our gardens, but it is now formal that the birds have been given to us. So, we are thankful for recognition and invitation extended to us. We have also seen a great job done here,” he said.

According to State House, together with the peacocks, the ex-presidents have been provided with 100 kilogrammes of birds feeds.