Ethiopians have gathered to celebrate the 19thEthiopian Nations, nationalities and Peoples Day (NNPD) in Arbaminch city in the South EthiopiaRegional State. The 19th NNPsD is being celebrated today, December 8, under the theme “National Consensus for Multinational Unity” with the newly estabilished region hosting the national day. South Ethiopia is home to 32 different nations.
The Speaker of the House of Federation was welcomed upon his arrival at Arbaminch
The Speaker of the House of Federation (HoF), Agegnehu Teshager, arrived in Arba Minch on Friday to attend the 19th NNPD. Upon his arrival at Arba Minch Airport, he was welcomed by the President of the Southern Ethiopia Regional State, Tilahun Kebede, and by the elders of the Gamo people.
The Gamo elders, known for their tradition of managing conflict and promoting peace, unity, and harmony, held wet grass in their hands as they honorably welcomed their guests.
Arbaminch welcomes its guests delightfully
Representatives from all Ethiopian nations, totaling more than 80, gathered in Arbaminch to attend the 19th NNPD. The Southern Ethiopia Regional State, especially the Arbaminch area of Gamo Zone, is renowned for its abundant fruit and vegetable agricultural products.
Upon the arrival of the representatives, Arbaminch warmly welcomed the guests by offering a variety of fruits at the city’s entrance.
The presidents of all regional states met at Arbaminch
Ethiopia currently has 12 regional states and two city administrations. The Presidents of the regional states and Mayors of the two city administrations arrived in Arbaminch yesterday to attend the 19th NNPD.
Representatives of all nations perform their cultures at NNPD
Representatives from all nations across the country attend the NNPD. They dress in the traditional style of their respective nations and present their traditions and way of life.
This allows Ethiopians to learn about each other’s cultural traditions, gain insights from the experiences of others, and promote unity and coexistence. The NNPD helps Ethiopia promote unity in diversity and create strong bonds among its nations.
Addis Ababa celebrates 19th NNPD
Despite the fact that Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples Day (NNPD) is celebrated nationally in Arbaminch, as the home of all nations, Addis Ababa chooses to celebrate the day at the city level. Representatives from all nations residing in Addis Ababa attend the city-level celebration of the 19th NNPD.
The celebration of NNPD began in 2006 and is observed annually on the 8th of December with the goal of promoting equality, diversity, and unity among all Ethiopian nations. NNPD is specifically celebrated on the 8th of December to honor the nation’s constitution, which was adopted on the same day in 1994. This constitution declares equality for all nations, languages, cultures, and identities.
BY DARGIE KAHSAY
The Ethiopian Herald December 8/2024
