Embassy of Ethiopia in Nigeria has highlighted the significant contributions women have made throughout history in promoting gender equality and defending fundamental human rights.
This view was expressed by Legesse Haile during a telephone conversation in Abuja while reflecting on activities marking the 130th anniversary of the historic Battle of Adwa alongside the commemoration of International Women’s Day.
The celebration, themed “Adwa 130: From a Dark History to a Bright Horizon and 59 Years of Women’s Voice for Equality and Prosperity,” brought together members of the Ethiopian community and Nigerians to reflect on the significance of the historic victory and women’s role in shaping national progress.
Haile explained that the victory of Adwa represented a defining moment achieved through the collective determination and sacrifices of Ethiopians, stressing that women played a vital role in the struggle. He added that the government continues to advance gender equality and expand opportunities for women in public life.
According to him, Ethiopian women have increasingly taken up leadership roles in recent years, occupying important positions in parliament, the federal cabinet, and regional administrations.
The envoy also encouraged young people to draw inspiration from the spirit of Adwa by supporting national development efforts and safeguarding Ethiopia’s interests. He pointed to initiatives aimed at modernising agriculture, boosting wheat production, and expanding industrial capacity through programmes designed to strengthen the country’s economy.
Haile further called on Ethiopians living abroad to contribute actively to national development projects, emphasising that their involvement would support the country’s ambition of becoming one of Africa’s strongest economies by 2035 and among the world’s top 20 economies by 2050.
He described the legacy of Adwa as a powerful symbol that inspired Pan-Africanism and anti-colonial movements across the continent, reminding Africans that unity and sacrifice remain essential to protecting freedom and sovereignty.
The anniversary marks 130 years since the 1896 victory of Ethiopian forces over Italian troops at Adwa, an event widely regarded as a historic milestone in Africa’s resistance to colonial rule and a lasting source of inspiration for the continent.