THE government is projecting to use 34bn/-for establishing a presidential centre in the capital dedicated to preserving the records of former presidents and top national leaders for reference and study by the coming generations.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan profiled the project when gracing the launch of a publication by Uongozi Institute, a quasi-governmental unit establishing the memoirs of top national leaders in the past, a book on the deceased premier Edward Sokoine, on his life and work.

She said that 1bn/- was set aside in estimates for the current financial year, addressing former leaders, current government officials, religious leaders, representatives from political parties, civil society organisations and the private sector.

“Let me assure you that we have already earmarked 50 acres for the construction of the presidential centre in Dodoma, where people can easily access information about the lives of former leaders,” she said.

She appealed to serving leaders to draw inspiration from Edward Sokoine’s exemplary leadership to drive development, stressing the departed premier’s trustworthiness and commitment in public service.

Vice President Dr Philip Mpango asked the president to facilitate the provision of financial support to authors to ensure the preservation of the legacies of top national leaders who left office many years ago.

George Simbachawene, the Public Service Management and Good Governance state minister in the President’s Office, described Sokoine as an iconic leader renowned for his unwavering commitment to accountability and integrity.

The book launch was not only a tribute but also a vital lesson for current political activists and aspirants, offering insights into the life and values of a remarkable national figure.

Kadari Singo, the Uongozi Institute chief executive officer, highlighted the institute’s dedication to preserving the legacies of Tanzania’s leaders, pointing at their work in the preparation and publication of autobiographies of former presidents Ali Hassan Mwinyi and Benjamin Mkapa.

This will be followed up in their mission to inspire future generations through the stories of those who shaped the nation, he said, underlining that the launch serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of integrity in leadership and the enduring impact of leaders like Sokoine on the country's history.

Joseph Sokoine, son of the late premier and currently high commissioner to Canada, hailed the centre as providing opportunities for people to read and review speeches and policy initiatives, making it a potential tourism asset as well.

“The idea of a presidential centre is vital for preserving the records of our leaders for future generations,” he said, expressing gratitude to President Samia for initiating the late premier’s biography.

“After 40 years, the passion and family dream to write our father's biography has come true,” he said, elaborating that the book’s writing process began more than 15 years ago and has now been completed.

Prof Palamagamba Kabudi, the Constitutional and Legal Affairs minister, reflected on the profound impact of Edward Sokoine, describing him as a leader dedicated to his people and country during his tenure as premier.

He was a latter day version of his native Maasai culture as a devout Catholic, a patriotic leader committed to combating theft, corruption, laziness and poverty.

 “One of the defining moments in Sokoine’s life occurred late 1980 when he faced the agonising decision to resign as prime minister, immersed in an internal struggle as he was aware of the repercussions his choice could entail.

“Yet, guided by his principles, he understood that true leadership sometimes demands stepping aside for the greater good of the nation,” he remarked, discounting often suggested views that the late Sokoine had ambitions to ascend to the presidency as founding leader Mwalimu Nyerere had already ruled out standing in the 1985 vote.