Arba Minch University has celebrated 7th National Flag Day at its Main Campus with great élan and enthusiasm on Oct 13, 2014. President’s delegate and Academic Affairs Vice President, Dr Agena Anjulo, hoisted the National Flag. AMU top officials, academic, administrative staff, students and others graced the occasion. Click here to see the Pictures.
Repeating the theme for this momentous occasion – ‘Holding our flag high, we shall realize the Ethiopian Renaissance,’ he said, ‘‘We are building Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and striving to achieve green economy with carbon-free emission industry. We would achieve these goals under our flag, which is the symbol of our unity, diversity and sovereignty.
He underscored this occasion is significant for all Ethiopians because Ethiopia was never colonized, thus it has kept its territorial integrity and political sovereignty intact from any external invasion. Therefore, we are proud about our cultural ethos and social mores that are unalloyed and thoroughly pristine.’’
The program began with Corporate Communication Directorate Director, Mr Fissiha Bekele Tadesse, exhorted people, young students in particular to renew their commitment to expedite the process of development by contributing their constructive energy which he felt would lift Ethiopia from the scourge of poverty.
One of the lecturers from School of Law, Mr Zerihun Bode, explained the significance of Sendeq Alama, said, ‘‘The current flag of Ethiopia endearingly called - Sendeq Alama - was adopted on 31 October 1996, that conforms to the specifications set forth in Article 3 of 1995 Constitution of Ethiopia.
The three traditional colours of Sendeq Alama - green, yellow and red date back to Emperor Menelik (1889-1913). The emblem represents both the diversity and unity of the country. Blue represents peace, the star is an embodiment of diversity and unity, and the sun's rays symbolize prosperity. The green recalls resourcefulness, yellow stands for peace & hope, and red is symbolic of strength, he summed up.
Dr Agena also released the flag attached to the hydrogen balloon in the air, while Vice President for Administration and Development, Dr Yechale Kebede, unfurled South Nations, Nationalities and People’ Region flag.
In an impromptu quiz on National Flag, those answering the queries were rewarded by Dr Agena. Two students from Community School recited poems, while other kids colorfully draped holding National Flag aloft danced to the melodious tunes regaled the audience.
By Philips Joseph