Retired President Ali Hassan Mwinyi (R) hands over Distinguished Trophy issued by the Dar es Salaam Peace Committee comprising religious leaders, to IPP Executive Chairman Dr Reginald Mengi.

The war against abject poverty in the country will never be successful until the government throws its weight to fight corruption which is highly entrenched in society, IPP Executive Chairman Dr Reginald Mengi has observed.

Existing poverty and public embezzlement were the principal factors that contribute to poverty in the country, Dr Mengi noted when receiving the Award for Community Services from Dar es Salaam religious leaders.

“We cannot eradicate poverty by providing various services and money to the society, and if we really have true intent and purpose of eradicating poverty, it must be intent accompanied by real purpose of fighting corruption and embezzlement by public servants,” he emphasised.

Dr Mengi asked rich people in the country to use their wealth by sharing with vulnerable groups in the society as a way of bringing relief in their lives.

He explained his desire that he wishes one day to see poverty eradicated among Tanzanians and making poor people be saved from life hardship. He says he is forced to share his wealth with the needy in the country because he is always touched by the plight of their lives.

The media entrepreneur urged rich people to stop being selfishness since upon death no one can go with his or her wealth. “On that account one has to form the habit of sharing with the needy what you have as part of thanking God for the blessings you have,” he told the gathering.

All rich people should consider themselves as a waterpipe which has the duty of distributing water to various people especially those who are thirsty, he declared.

He also requested religious leaders to keep on insisting on maintaining peace and love among the community so as to stay away from conflicts and insecurity.

Earlier, in his remarks, retired president Ali Hassan Mwinyi urged rich people to emulate the worthy example of the IPP Executive Chairman, so as to help empowering other Tanzanians who need help.

Mwinyi said Dr Mengi has already received many awards from various countries, which were not given as favors to him but due to appreciating the big contribution of Dr Mengi to the society.

“The uniqueness of Dr Mengi is the fact that assembles us today, where religious leaders in Dar es Salaam are publicly declaring their appreciation to Dr Mengi for his services to various groups of people, so they decided to provide a special award to him,” the retired president noted.

He said that regardless of the wealth that Dr Mengi possesses, he has never denied anyone, and instead he finds a way of intervening with many socially needy groups, “a habit which you will never find among other rich people.”

Sheikh Alhad Mussa Salum, the chairman of the Religious Leaders Committee of Dar es Salaam, said that they decidedd to conduct a special prayer for Dr Mengi as well as providing an award to him as they value and appreciate his contribution to the society. “Dr Mengi has been a helper of the community without considering the religion or location of the one who is going to be helped,” said Sheikh Salum.

The event was attended by various dignitaries including ambassadors from various countries such as Norway, Congo DRC, Egypt and religious leaders of different denominations in Dar es Salaam.