Ethiopia commemorates 14th Ethiopian Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Day (NNPD)

Addis Ababa – Organized by the Oromia regional state, celebration of the 14th Ethiopian Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Day (NNPD) has taken place at the Addis Ababa Stadium on Monday, December 9th.

Senior government officials, including Ethiopian Federal President Sahle Work Zewde, Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonnen and Speaker of the House of Federation Keria Ibrahim are attending the annual celebration.

The celebration marks the day on which the rights and equality of the Ethiopian nations, nationalities and peoples were fully guaranteed under the constitution.

Thousands of Addis Ababa dwellers also joined representatives of nations, nationalities and peoples drawn from across the country in celebrating the day.

In her remarks, President Sahle Work stressed the need to use dialogue as a tool to resolve differences. Saying that all Ethiopians are in the same boat.

The President further said the celebration would help exhibit the culture and lifestyle as well as strengthen the unity of the Ethiopian people.

Speaker of the House of Federation, Keria Ibrahim for her part said the celebration would help cement the unity existed within diversity. She also added that diversity could be a source of strength if it is handled democratically and properly.

In his congratulatory message, Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed yesterday said the NNPD signifies unity in the diversity of Ethiopians how beautiful, priceless and respected multinational cultures and identities they have. Ethiopians have struggled and paid sacrifices for equality, freedom, justice and self-administration to develop their culture and languages, PM Dr. Abiy said.

The Dire Dawa city administration will host next year’s Ethiopian Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Day.