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DAR ES SALAAM. — Tanzanian President John Magufuli on Sunday pledged to continue honouring ideals of the east African nation’s founding leader, Julius Nyerere, for the benefit of the entire nation.

“We will continue to honour our founding Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, by putting into practice all his good thoughts and programmes for the benefit of all Tanzanians,” a statement from the Directorate of Presidential Communication at State House in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam quoted President Magufuli as saying.

The president made the pledge when he visited the widow of Nyerere, Maria Nyerere, at her Msasani residence in Dar es Salaam, said the statement.  The president paid homage to Nyerere in commemoration of the 19th anniversary of the death of the country’s founding father.

“Mwalimu Nyerere left Tanzanians with peace, unity, solidarity and sustainable economic development through the Arusha Declaration,” said President Magufuli. Nyerere died of leukemia in London on October 14, 1999 aged 77.

Nyerere announced the Arusha Declaration on February 5, 1967, outlining the principles of what he called African Socialism.

The principles were to guide the economy of the newly independent nation rooted in the concept of self-reliance.  Magufuli called on “all Tanzanians, especially the youth, to join hands with the government in honouring the commendable job done by the late Father of the Nation, including praying for the country.”

Maria, Nyerere’s widow, thanked the government for honouring her late husband’s legacy, and assured President Magufuli of her family’s continued support and prayers, according to the statement. – Xinhua