Located in the eastern part of Ethiopia, “The Queen of the Desert” as many people call it, is known for being the city of love and peace and unity. With its warm welcoming and affirming environment coupled with the enticing hospitality of its people, Dire Dawa city has the power to create a feeling of security, comfort and intimacy, familiarity, and strong attachment for those who happen to visit the town and to have lasting, positive experiences.
The city is also one of the areas where diversity, tolerance, and togetherness are reflected vividly and tangibly in all aspects be it in social, cultural, or religious life, as well as in gastronomically, sport, art, and music. Due to this, Dire Dawa has a fascinating story to tell and a worth place to visit.
Currently, Dire Dawa is marking the 3rd year of the ‘Nafkot Dire Dawa Week’ festival, in the presence of its children, both living at home and the Diaspora community who have come to the city from different parts of the world and friends of Dire Dawa.
At the festival which will run for five consecutive days – from July 28, 2024, to August 1, 2024 – various events such as sports competitions, cultural celebrations, entertainment programs, the inauguration of development projects and field visits, cycling race, street walk, as well as seedling plantation activities under the green legacy initiative, and activities that strengthen solidarity and unity will be carried out.
Every single day in the festival week is also designated as Dire Dawa Day, Family Day, Culture Day, and Thanksgiving Day, and special activities will be carried out following the specified days.
Speaking at the sports festival opened colorfully at the Dire Dawa Stadium, Dire Dawa City Mayor Kedir Juhar said that, the ‘Nafkot Dire Dawa Week’ festivals that have been celebrated in the last two years have helped to strengthen ties between and among the members of the Diaspora community with each other and with their country.
Especially, following the national reform, natives of Dire Dawa and its friends residing all over the world have played an important role in lessening the basic challenges of the people by participating in the city’s social and economic developments.
Since the leadership came to power and began their activities following the national reform, it has been undertaking various activities to make Dire Dawa a symbol of love and prosperity. As a result, it was possible to address the deep-seated grievances of the community associated with development and good governance and register successful results. By turning challenges and hurdles that came to happen at different times and situations into opportunities, it has been possible to facilitate an efficient and effective judicial system in democracy construction, in both urban and rural areas, and witness encouraging moves in good governance, peace, and public service and benefitting women and youth.
While talking about the contribution of the Diaspora community in the socio-development endeavors of Dire Dawa City, Kedir said that the participation of members of the Diaspora community in the social, development, and investment efforts of the city, is increasing from time to time.
According to him, following the favorable environment and investment areas, members of the Diaspora have invested in manufacturing, health, hotel, trade, and other sectors and created employment opportunities for thousands of people.
Likewise, they have been contributing their shares by engaging in various volunteering activities including planting seedlings at the Green Legacy campaign. He also pointed out the favorable environment this week-long festival the “Nafkot Dire Dawa’ has created to stimulate the city’s development and further advance the achievements gained so far.
Expressing his heartfelt condolences to the people who lost their lives this week, Mayor Kedir also called upon members of the Diaspora community to do their part in providing immediate relief and long-term support and actively engage in the activity carried out to rehabilitate the victims impacted by natural disasters at Ashewa Market Center in Dire Dawa and in Gofa Woreda of Gofa Zone in South Ethiopia State due to repeated landslide incidents.
In his message, the Head of Dire Dawa City Culture and Tourism Office, Michael Endale said that the celebration of ‘Nafkot Dire Dawa’ week has significant social and economic benefits and promotes the unique cultural values of the people.
According to him, the festival which is being celebrated with various colorful events will further signify and embody Dire Dawa’s age-old history and strengthen its longstanding culture of solidarity, and the symbolism of peaceful coexistence and togetherness.
Religious fathers, elders, government officials, leaders of the Ethiopian Diaspora Service, members of the Diaspora community and friends of Dire Dawa, and local people residing in the city and different cities of the country, have taken part at the opening ceremony of the festival, which took place last Sunday, July 28, 2024.
During the opening ceremony, football competitions were held in different groups. The officials of Dire Dawa City vs. Somali State, the football team of Railway against Dire Dawa Textile Factory team played at the Dire-Dawa Stadium. The football competitions held between the players were very entertaining and attractive, it was learned.
It was recalled that, the 26th International Day of Harar was also celebrated warmly and colorfully for a span of 10 days starting from July 4 with the target to offer opportunities for the Diaspora community to connect with Ethiopia’s history, culture, and wisdom and also to boost tourism and investment in the State, according to Harari Tourism and Heritage Bureau.
BY STAFF REPORTER
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 30 JULY 2024
