The Embassy of Ethiopia in Nigeria has extolled women’s historical role in boosting government’s efforts aimed at advancing gender equality and fundamental human rights.
Amb. Legesse Haile, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ethiopia to Nigeria, disclosed this in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Monday.
He spoke against the backdrop of the embassy’s celebration of the 130th anniversary of the victory of Adwa and commemoration of the International Women’s Day in Abuja.
The event with the theme: “Adwa 130: From a dark history to a bright horizon and 59 years of women’s voice for equality, and prosperity” brought together Ethiopians and Nigerians to celebrate together.
Haile said, “The Victory of Adwa marks a monumental triumph achieved through collective sacrifices of the Ethiopian people, specifically the indispensable role women played in this historic victory and the government’s contemporary efforts to ensure gender equality, and women’s rights.
“In recent years, Ethiopian women are occupying higher positions in government offices, by taking a meaningful share in parliament, the cabinet, both at Federal as well as regional offices.”
The envoy urged young people to embody the spirit of Adwa, protect Ethiopia’s national interest, and support the development initiatives underway in the country.
This, according to him, include modernising agricultural sector by boosting productivity to enable Ethiopia become the biggest producer of wheat in Africa, achieve growth in industrialisation with focus on boostng production capacity via Ethiopia Tamirt, among other things.
“As son’s and daughters of Adwa, all these efforts require the participation and support of Ethiopian diaspora, to play your roles in the sprit of Adwa and to advance the country’s development.
“This is a vital national interest for Ethiopia with more than 130 million population and rapidly expanding economy; government seeks to secure access to the sea through peaceful win-win solution and diplomatic channel.
“I urge Ethiopian diaspora to actively take part in Ethiopia’s government development initiatives and mega projects designed to become one of five Africa’s strongest economies by 2035, and one of the world’s top 20 economies by 2050,” he said.
He explained Adwa to have become the foundation of Pan-Africanism and anti-colonial movements that inspired generations to sustain the fight for independence, dignity, and sovereignty, saying such remains a beacon of hope, while reminding people that freedom is won through sacrifice and unity.
“Adwa was accentuated during the discussion by fellow Africans as a shared African victory, which today’s generation must remain inspired by such heritage, to rebuild their nation and the continent at large,” he said.
The commemoration of the ADWA celebration marked 130 years since its establishment on March 1, 1896, to foster unity, determination, and bravery of Ethiopian patriots of the time, who won a victory over then, fascist Italian forces.
