President, First Lady Conclude National Day Visit to Utheemu

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed returned to Malé yesterday after concluding their official visit to Haa Alifu Atoll, Utheemu, for this year’s National Day celebrations.

During the visit, the President and First Lady participated in several National Day activities, including the inauguration of the Boduthakurufaanu Handhaanee Dhoroashi and the historic “Vaahaka Vau” (Story Forest).

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The couple also attended the official National Day function, where President Muizzu presented this year’s National Award of Honour and National Award of Recognition recipients with their awards.

The President also met with the Utheemu Island Council, Women’s Development Committee (WDC), heads of local institutions and students to discuss the island’s development priorities and concerns.

During his meeting with the Island Council, members called for the prompt commencement of the island’s harbour and Bandaara Mosque projects. They also sought updates on the State House project and requested the expedited completion of futsal and volleyball courts and the new Council Secretariat building.

The Council further raised concerns over a shortage of nurses and staffing constraints at the island’s health centre. President Muizzu assured the council that he would look into the issues raised and work towards finding solutions.

Cabinet ministers accompanying the President also provided updates on ongoing development projects in Utheemu and Haa Alifu Atoll.

President Inaugurates Vaahaka Vau

President Muizzu inaugurated Vaahaka Vau, a heritage park developed within the natural woodland adjoining Kandhuvalu Miskiy in Utheemu.

The site is designed to showcase the history of Bodu Thakurufaanu’s struggle for national independence through interpretive displays depicting key events from the period.

The historical journey begins with the occupation of Malé in 1558 and follows the construction of Kalhuohfummi in Haa Alifu Atoll, Baarah, before culminating in the 1573 victory.

Following the inauguration, the President and First Lady toured the site alongside Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, Speaker of Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla, Cabinet ministers, diplomats, senior government officials and members of the public.

The Ministry of Arts, Culture and Heritage is implementing the project under the “Preservation of the Legacy of Ghaazee Bandaarain and Heritage-Based Income Generation Project”.

The Government aims to establish Utheemu as a centre for cultural tourism and Maldivian national history while creating economic opportunities through the country’s cultural heritage.

President Meets Utheemu Students

During his meeting with students, President Muizzu said students have a fundamental role in steering the Maldives towards a brighter future.

The students raised concerns over the lack of adequate recreational space at Utheemu School and requested a turfed play area, noting that the Island Council has already allocated land for the facility.

They also called for greater opportunities under the National Service Programme and highlighted the lack of a multipurpose hall for indoor activities.

The students thanked the President and Government for air-conditioning the school under the Cool School project.

President Muizzu said the National Service Programme remains in high demand, noting that current capacity allows around 1,000 youths to be trained annually while applications are twice the number of available places.

Although a multipurpose hall is not currently included in the budget, the President assured the students that the Government would facilitate its development.

The President said the Government’s policy is centred on listening to young people and citizens, and assured the students that their concerns and ideas would be given serious consideration.