The Ethiopian embassy in Nigeria has extolled women’s historical role in advancing the government’s efforts to promote gender equality and fundamental human rights.

Legesse Haile, ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Ethiopia to Nigeria, disclosed this in a telephone interview on Monday.

He spoke against the backdrop of the embassy’s celebration of the 130th anniversary of the victory of Adwa and commemoration of International Women’s Day in Abuja.

Mr 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 interests, and support the country’s development initiatives. 

This, according to him, includes modernising the agricultural sector by boosting productivity to enable Ethiopia to become the biggest producer of wheat in Africa, and to achieve industrial growth with a focus on boosting production capacity via Ethiopia Tamirt, among other things. 

“As sons and daughters of Adwa, all these efforts require the participation and support of the Ethiopian diaspora, to play your roles in the spirit of Adwa and to advance the country’s development. 

“This is a vital national interest for Ethiopia with a population of more than 130 million and a rapidly expanding economy; the government seeks to secure access to the sea through a peaceful win-win solution and a 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 explained.

He mentioned that Adwa had become the foundation of Pan-Africanism and anti-colonial movements that inspired generations to sustain the fight for independence, dignity, and sovereignty, saying that it 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 the unity, determination, and bravery of Ethiopian patriots at the time, who defeated the then-fascist Italian forces.

(NAN)