Following the ratification of FDRE’s constitution, the foundation of Nation Nationalities and Peoples’ Day (NNPD) was declared to be celebrated. Years have passed since the celebration began.
Recently, the 14th NNPD was celebrated in the capital organized by Oromia State themed “our constitutional promise to our lasting peace”.
Speaking at the occasion, President SahileWork Zewude said that NNPD is a day that NNP express their respect and loyalty to each other that their forefathers preserved for centuries standing firm together and keeping their identities and handed over to this generation.
Speaker of the House of Federation Keriya Ibrahim, for her part said: “The 14th Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ Day is celebrated uniquely as it marks the 25th anniversary of the ratification of the Ethiopian Constitution.”
Stating that the Constitution has ensured the rights of Nations, Nationalities and Peoples to use their culture and language, she noted: “Recognizing others and working towards unity is equally important.”
Hayat Usman came from Bale zone, Oromia State to celebrate the holiday in Addis Ababa. While approached by The Ethiopian Herald she said: “Our fathers and mothers have lived for a long time preserving their unity in diversity. But recently, we are experiencing some problems in different parts of our country due to extreme nationalist ideas that erode our long lasted culture of living together in harmony and unity. Thus, we need to be more alert to keep our unity and long standing tradition.”
Making familiar the youth with their culture is a must. The youth in turn, must inspire themselves for change and work not to be emotional; they must live in mutual respect and protect their country, she noted.
Simenesh Silku, Team Leader of Gamo Goffa Zone Culture, Tourism and Sport Department, said that Ethiopia is rich in unique history, heritages and languages where more than 81 Nations, Nationalities and peoples live together in peace respecting one another.
During the celebration of NNPD, Ethiopians are adorned with variety of cultural costumes. The celebration gives opportunity to show these marvelous cultural heritages to the rest of the world. It is a sign of respect, thoughtful, tolerance and loving each other.
There are very few people who have ill will towards peace and love working day and night against them to devalue them. On the contrary, it is crystal clear that NNP have nurtured love and respect for each other.
Therefore, to overcome this ill-mannered activity, people must strengthen their unity and maintain their culture of co-existence, peace and they have to stand as one person and struggle to take over the challenges, Simenesh added.
Worknesh Eyasu came from Shinasha, Benshangul Gumz State to celebrate the NNPD. She told The Ethiopian Herald that, When they come together to celebrate the holiday, they feel like the children of a mother. As the occasion gives them opportunity meet with different people, they share their culture among each other. And this in turn helps them live together understanding and respecting languages and culture of other nations.
“As I have noticed,” said Worknesh, “the youths are being attracted by modern culture mostly imported from the western world. Therefore, Ministry Of Youth, Sports and Culture along with concerned bodies, must take measures to raise their awareness on indigenous cultural values.
Yizez Melaku who came from Amhara State said that the NNPD helps in unifying, strengthening and enriching national colors of the people. Thus, the society has to maintain their history and culture as it contributes to the sustainability of the history which is Ethiopian nationalism.
The NNPD also enables the public show their culture of variety dressing especially traditional ornament that has a vital role in introducing or expressing their culture. United effort is needed to preserve cultural goods and values of Nations, Nationalities and Peoples as some of them are dying out, he added.
Nowadays, there are some problems in the country related with identity though they are not difficult to solve but by consolidating togetherness. “For instance, I was born from parents who came from two ethinic bacground. There is no one who can identify from which tribe I am. So we Ethiopians must work hard on our unity as a metal pillar and keep our values together. This enables our country stand on its own two feet,” he said.
Haile Eyesus Filate, Team Leader of Amhara State delegation for his part, said that Ethiopians have been living in peace and love for thousands of years through solving their problems in discussion and developing common understanding on mutual issues.
Generally, to maintain peace, love, respect and security of the country; all Nations, Nationalities and People should stand together, Haile Eyesus suggested.
The Ethiopian Herald December31, 2019
BY ESSEYE MENGISTE
