“In this Monument, the valiant heroes of Adwa in1896 fought with great courage to safeguard their nation’s sovereignty and shield their people from colonial oppression, even at the cost of their lives. Their heroic memories have become an indelible part of the fabric of our nation and black people around the globe. This monument stands as a timeless tribute to their bravery and the unwavering spirit of our people, forever preserving their legacy”, read a memorial inscription written at a monument erected at the premises of the newly inaugurated Adwa Memorial Museum to honoring the people who sacrificed their lives at the Battle of Adwa resisting the invading Italian Fascist forces and to commemorate the Victory.
Last Sunday, the Museum was inaugurated officially in the presence of President Sahlework Zewde, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh, Supreme Court President Tedros Mihret, House of Peoples Representatives Speaker Tagesse Chafo, Prosperity Party Deputy Chairman, Army Chief of Staff Field Marshial Birhanu Jula, high-ranking government officials, chief administrators of regional states, high ranking government officials, diplomatic corps and other invited guests.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, President Sahlework Zewde said that, the Victory of Adwa is the victory of all black people across the globe. The victory is celebrated by all the people who fought against oppression. Thus, preserving it well and passing on it to the next generation is important.
Following the unity of Ethiopian forefathers and the selfless sacrifice paid against the invading troops, Ethiopia can beat the enemy and herald victory. The current generation should draw essential lesson and maintain unity, she stressed.
“We should always celebrate and most of all learn from the Victory of Adwa that reverberated across Africa, the Caribbean and the entire world,” President Sahlework underlined.
Stating that it was a regretting thing for not constructing a memorial museum over the past 127 years, the President lauded Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Mayor Adanech Abiebie, as well as those who took part in the accomplishment of the Museum for their outstanding achievement for the victory memorial Museum.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on his part said: “We, Ethiopians, are inherently fortunate. This very identity, being Ethiopian, is a privilege we possess. We all Ethiopians here are lucky. What makes us lucky is the fact that we are Ethiopians.”
“Other countries with black people can build such amazing monuments, but they cannot be the sons of Menelik, Balcha, or Alula. Ethiopianness is a privilege we are endowed with. But we realized this memorial through struggle and endeavor. We inaugurated this Adwa victory memorial here, in a manner that matches Ethiopia, after 128 years today, through hard work, struggle and endeavor to pass it to the next generation,” Abiy said.
According to the Premier, our forefathers were wise and knew on what issue they should stand in unison and made a difference. They understood the power of unity and discernment and distinguished between the government and the true interests of the nation.
Mentioning that Ethiopia’s journey has not been without its thorns, Prime Minister Abiy said that this generation should inherit forefathers’ wisdom to solve contemporary challenges and to build a prosperous Ethiopia.
He also urged the younger generation to not simply inherit the “fires” of the past, but to harness the true spirit of Adwa’s Victory and move forward to eradicate poverty, unwavering defense against invaders, the preservation of dignity, and the achievement of food sovereignty.
Furthermore, Abiy underscored the enduring lesson of separating government interests from the national good, a wisdom that was gleaned from the triumphs of Ethiopia’s ancestors.
Mayor Adanech Abiebie on her part said that, the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum is a place where the future generation will learn the whole truth about the history and the significance of Adwa Victory.
Located in the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia is a country known for its fascinating history and diverse cultural heritage. Adwa Victory Memorial depicts the full picture and the truth of Adwa Victory.
According to the Mayor, Adwa’s Victory has not been commemorated and remembered in a way that befits its greatness. However, the newly inaugurated Adwa Victory Memorial has been built in a manner that remembers the extraordinary bravery of Ethiopians whose stories had not yet received enough attention in addition to including historical occurrences that had been overlooked. Thus, the timeless history of Ethiopians has been built in the memorial with the initiative of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, she remarked.
Addis Ababa has now become a center that represents the black people of the world due to this grand memorial museum, adding Adwa Victory Memorial as an additional destination for visitors. “The victory of Adwa is the victory that inspired the black race to resist oppression and fight for their independence.”
“Our capital, Addis Ababa, is not only the diplomatic center of the world and the seat of the African Union, but it is also a major tourist attraction that has a memory of the victory of all black people,” she described.
Finally, she extended her gratitude to all who engaged in the construction of the project including contractors, consultants, historians, artists, officials of the city administration and all others. She also congratulated all Ethiopians.
The Adwa Victory Memorial, a monumental project located at the center of the capital, encompasses a museum, meeting halls, amphitheater, library, art gallery, exhibition center, and other facilities, all dedicated to honoring the heroes and heroines of the historic triumph and Africans.
The memorial also holds statues of Emperor Menelik II, Empress Taitu, the twelve war lords and Ethiopians who participated in the war and other artifacts and works of art that feature the gallantry of Ethiopians at the Battle of Adwa, ENA reported.
BY STAFF REPORTER
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2024
