President John Magufuli shares a light moment with retired presidents Ali Hassan Mwinyi, Benjamin Mkapa and Jakaya Kikwete during the 56th independence anniversary at Jamhuri Stadium in Dodoma yesterday. PHOTO | STATE HOUSE
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The national celebrations took place at the Jamhuri Stadium in the capital Dodoma, in yet another sign of the government’s resolve to shift the focus from Dar es Salaam, which has over the years enjoyed being the focal point of major national events.
Dar es Salaam. President John Magufuli yesterday led hundreds of thousands of Tanzanians in historic commemorations of the annual Independence Day, held for the first time outside the commercial capital.
The national celebrations took place at the Jamhuri Stadium in the capital Dodoma, in yet another sign of the government’s resolve to shift the focus from Dar es Salaam, which has over the years enjoyed being the focal point of major national events.
Dr Magufuli, who received a 21-gun salute from the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF), inspected the guard of honour before delivering his speech that was well received by the jubilant crowd.
Gates to the stadium were opened at around 6 am, but authorities were forced to close them just three hours later after the place was filled to capacity.
Former presidents, who included Ali Hassan Mwinyi, Benjamin Mkapa and Jakaya kikwete, joined Dr Magufuli in leading the nation to celebrate 56 years of independence
Other leaders, who attended the ceremony are Zanzibar President Ali Mohamed Shein, Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan, and first lady Janeth Magufuli. Others are Mama Maria Nyerere and former Zanzibar first lady Fatma Karume.
Also in the attendance were Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, Zanzibar second vice President Seif Ali Idd, the Speaker of the National Assembly Job Ndugai, the Speaker of Zanzibar House of Representatives Zubeir Ali Maulid, Chief Justice Prof Ibrahim Hamis Juma and Speaker of Morocco Parliament Hakim Benchamach
Prof Ibrahim Lipumba, chairman of Civic United Front (CUF) and Tanzania Labour Party (TLP) chairman Agustine Mrema were also in attendance.
Addressing the cheering crowd, President Magufuli outlined a number of achievements that the country achieved since attaining independence in 1961. He singled out education, noting that there are now 48 institutions of higher learning. There was none when the country attained independence.
On health, the President noted that the number of doctors in the country now stood at 9,343, while there are now 19,164 engineers and 9,350 contractors.
Defence and security forces were the main attraction during the fete. The forces marched in front of the main stand in a show of respect for the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.
Several other activities were lined up to entertain the crowd, including music by Bongo flavor artistes and traditional dance groups.
