Over 600 youths from Zuzu Ward, Dodoma, have been urged to shift their focus from idle pursuits to agriculture and economic empowerment during a major Youth Conference held recently.
Speaking at the event, Zuzu Ward Executive Officer, Ibrahim Ally Hassan, representing Dodoma Urban District Commissioner Alhaj Jabir Shekimweri, emphasized that agriculture remains the backbone of the nation.
He lamented that many young people abandon farms, leaving the work to older adults and a few women.
“When we neglect agriculture, we lose enormous opportunities. The land, experts, and education are all available. Young people must engage in farming to achieve economic independence,” Hassan said.
Quoting the 2022 Population and Housing Census, he noted that 56.3% of Tanzanians are youths aged 15 to 64, highlighting their critical role in the country’s workforce.
He added that the Sixth Phase Government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan has recognized this by establishing a dedicated ministry for youth affairs to address their challenges.
Hassan also encouraged youths to take advantage of the 10% council loans for youth, women, and people with special needs, pointing out that Dodoma Region is among the beneficiaries. These loans aim to help young people start businesses and attain financial independence.
The conference also highlighted food preservation, with Hassan warning against the common practice of using corn for brewing alcohol instead of saving it for future consumption.
“When famine comes, who will we blame? Let’s be responsible and preserve food,” he stressed.
Zuzu Ward Councilor, Jenesta Project Malingo, explained that the conference was designed to address youths’ lack of awareness about available opportunities.
She urged young people to embrace patriotism, ethical values, and economic opportunities to actively contribute to the ward’s development.
Despite being on the city’s outskirts, Malingo noted, Zuzu is strategically positioned to benefit from major infrastructure projects like the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and the Outer Ring Road, opening up employment and business opportunities.
She cited challenges such as unemployment, drug abuse, and limited startup capital and called for empowering youth through agriculture, irrigation projects, and transport initiatives like motorcycles to boost income.
Dodoma Regional Police Assistant Superintendent ASP Crista Kayombo also used the platform to raise awareness on gender-based violence, urging residents to uphold ethics and community values.
Participants, including Enyasi Lazaro, praised the conference for enlightening them on drug abuse, financial responsibility, and seizing available opportunities instead of idling in search of jobs.
The day-long event, held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., covered topics such as patriotism, mental health, economic opportunities, ethics, and drug prevention. Its theme was: “YOUTH, LET’S BUILD TANZANIA – IT BELONGS TO ALL OF US.”
Through initiatives like this, Zuzu Ward aims to cultivate a generation of responsible, proactive, and patriotic youths ready to contribute meaningfully to national development.
