Addis Ababa, December 8, 2024 (FMC) – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stated that Ethiopia is akin to a grand library which contains a diverse collection of books with diverse knowledge, values, wisdom, cultures, history, art, and other assets.
The premier made this statement at the 19th Ethiopia Day, also known as Nations and Nationalities Day, which was colorfully observed this morning in Arba Minch city, South Ethiopia region, with an array of programs and great enthusiasm. The event was also held under the theme “National Consensus for Multinational Unity.”
The event was attended by PM Abiy Ahmed, Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Temesgen Truneh, the Head of the Democratic System Building Center with the rank of Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Adem Farah, Speaker of the House of People’s Representatives, Mr. Taggese Chafo, Speaker of the House of Federation, Mr. Agegnehu Teshager, regional chief administrators, mayors of city administrations, representatives of ethnic groups, and invited guests.
In his remarks, Abiy emphasized that a library surpasses a single book, as it contains an array of books authored by different individuals, offering diverse contents, knowledge, and wisdom. He highlighted the significance of these multiple books, asserting that they hold greater importance than a single book. By reading various books in a library, one can acquire a broad and diverse range of knowledge and wisdom, rather than repeatedly reading a single book.
In this context, Abiy likened Ethiopia to a grand library that encompasses a diverse collection of books, each containing its own wisdom, knowledge, history, arts, values, languages, and cultures. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of nurturing these assets within the framework of Ethiopia to further strengthen national unity and harmony.
Highlighting the resemblance between the importance of a book’s content and the significance of ethnic diversity, Abiy emphasized that a single book cannot be complete without incorporating and referring to the contents of other books.
Similarly, he highlighted that a single ethnic group cannot be considered complete in isolation, but rather, it is interwoven with others in various contexts. By sharing and learning customs, language, culture, and folklore from fellow ethnic groups, Abiy noted that a comprehensive understanding of Ethiopia’s multinationalism and diversity is essential for being a well-rounded Ethiopian citizen. Just as an author draws upon various sources to write a book, so too should individuals explore, research, and deeply understand the country’s rich tapestry of resources, values, cultures and traditions.
Drawing a parallel between Ethiopia and the vast ocean, the Prime Minister emphasized the abundance of resources, values, cultures, and knowledge within the country. He called for unity and a collective effort to harness these diverse assets for national development. By coming together and focusing on peace, the Prime Minister urged Ethiopians to explore and utilize the country’s rich resources for the betterment of all.
Comparing similarities between the strength of a single tree and the power of unity among trees in a forest, Abiy emphasized that a tree cannot resist wind and erosion as effectively as when it stands together with other trees.
He highlighted that just as trees in a forest support each other against the dangers of erosion and wind turbulence, so too can people with diverse languages, cultures, and views find strength in unity.
The Prime Minister urged Ethiopians to further strengthen unity in order to build a robust country that embraces its multinationalism and harmonious narrative. By standing together, Abiy believed that Ethiopia could become a beautiful and strong nation, where diversity is celebrated and unity is cherished.
He emphasized that each ethnic group can thrive under the framework of Ethiopia and its multinationalism, which is built upon shared sacrifice, culture, history, and value.
PM Abiy also mentioned the recent peace agreement between one of the former OLA leaders and the Oromia regional government, highlighting the positive outcomes that have followed.
Subsequently, he called on other militant groups throughout the country to follow suit and come to peace terms.
The premier further emphasized the importance of unity in diversity by drawing a parallel between the Abbay River (Blue Nile River) and Ethiopian unity. He stated that the Abbay River becomes a powerful force because of its tributaries, which join together to make it stronger.
Similarly, Abiy highlighted that Ethiopian unity is strengthened by its multinationalism, where diverse ethnic groups come together to form a united and prosperous nation. The Prime Minister urged all citizens to stand in unity with fellow Ethiopians, prioritize peace, advocate for multinationalism, and leave a lasting legacy that ensures Ethiopia becomes a great and prosperous country in the world.
Meanwhile, he underscored the importance of prioritizing hard work and peace to achieve prosperity in Ethiopia.
He commended Arba Minch city as a model for the rest of the country due to its peace, cleanliness, and hardworking culture. Abiy stressed the significance of adopting this culture throughout Ethiopia.
Additionally, he asserted that Ethiopia’s prosperity is inevitable with the will of the Creator.
It is worth note that the country’s upper house, House of Federation, has designated December 8th to be Nations and Nationalities Day with the main objective of fostering the appreciation of diverse cultures and values while strengthening the interaction among the various nations and nationalities within the country.
By: Mesafint B.