AMU has observed ‘The National Day’ (Ginbot 20) with patriotic fervor and enthusiasm at Main Campus on 26th May, 2016. University high officials, teachers, administrative staff, students and others graced the function. Click here to see the pictures.
‘May 28’ holds great significance in the history of Ethiopia that is annually commemorated for ushering in the new era of development by completely destabilizing oppressive Derg regime that had inflicted immeasurable human and economic loss to the nation.
The celebration began at Student’s Café with Gamo Gofa Cultural Music Band regaling the gathering. Amid thundering applause ceremonial cake was cut with sparkling sticks spreading glittering lights.
Later, at New Hall, President, Dr Damtew Darza, addressing people termed ‘Ginbot 20’ as significant in the history as it has opened up the new chapter of development. The rapid stride made in different arenas in last 25 years has made education accessible to 30% of population. Health and other sectors then in awfully bad conditions are now making rapid headway. Today our society is equitably progressive in nature and credit goes to present government.’’
Vice presidents, Dr Yechale and Mr Behailu Merdekios in their presentation citing the progress made in last two decades said, Of 60 million people during Derg only 2.1 million had access to education, but now 28 million of them are scaling greater heights with governmental patronage.
In last 12 years, the liberalized economic policy has enabled Ethiopia to gain average economic growth of 5.5% that further touched the mark of 8% cumulative figure. Food-grain production over the years has shown dramatic increase to 273 million quintals from 73 then.
They informed that health sector has registered a remarkable progress due to preventive health policy that saw child mortality rate along with deaths related to diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria, typhus etc. Life expectancy for both men and women went up by 16 and 10 years respectively compared to 45.5 years in 1990.
Then Ethiopia had only 469 MW power that has now grown manifold and with hydro and wind power plants like GERD, Gilgel Gibe, Genale Dawa, Adama-II and Langano Geothermal, nation will generate over 10000MW power, thus ending the power drought in nation.
With Ethiopian People Republic Democratic Front taking the reign things began to change. As of now, Ethiopia has over 16251 PHCs in rural areas and 331 full-fledged hospitals across the nation; and 45 universities and many research institutions are shaping up the fate.
Later, people participated in the discussion that ensued after presentation; they deliberated on the present Ethiopian scenario from the progressive perspective and lauded government for taking various welfare measures for people.
(By Philips Joseph: Corporate Communication Directorate)