Abuja: Embassy of Ethiopia celebrates 130th anniversary of Adwa victory and celebrates International Women’s Day

Abuja: Embassy of Ethiopia celebrates 130th anniversary of Adwa victory and celebrates International Women’s Day

By editor

On Saturday, March 7, 2026, the Embassy of Ethiopia in Abuja-Nigeria hosted a vibrant double celebration to mark the 130th anniversary of the historic Battle of Adwa and International Women’s Day.

Held under the theme “Adwa 130: From a dark history to a bright horizon!” and “50 Years of Women’s Voices for Equality and Prosperity,” the event brought together members of Abuja’s Ethiopian community, Ethiopians of Ethiopian descent living in Nigeria, as well as Nigerian friends and supporters of Ethiopia.

The keynote speech was delivered by Legesse Geremew Haile, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ethiopia to Nigeria. In his remarks, the ambassador described the victory at Adwa as a monumental triumph achieved through the unity and sacrifices of the Ethiopian people.

She highlighted the significant role played by women in the historic victory and highlighted the ongoing efforts by the Ethiopian government to strengthen gender equality and promote women’s participation in leadership. According to him, Ethiopian women today occupy key positions in government, with growing representation in parliament, cabinet and federal and regional institutions.

Ambassador Haile also encouraged young Ethiopians to embody the “Spirit of Adwa” by protecting national interests and supporting ongoing development initiatives in Ethiopia. He outlined several ongoing national programs, including the modernization of the agricultural sector to increase productivity, an effort that has helped Ethiopia emerge as Africa’s largest wheat producer in recent years.

He also cited progress in industrialization through the “Ethiopia Tamirt” (Producing Ethiopia) initiative, tourism development through Gebeta projects, and digital transformation driven by technologies such as artificial intelligence to improve service delivery.

The ambassador called on the Ethiopian diaspora to play a stronger role in supporting these development efforts and national projects.

Addressing Ethiopia’s strategic economic objectives, he also urged unified support for the country’s quest for peaceful access to the sea, describing it as a vital national interest for a nation of more than 130 million people with a rapidly expanding economy. He stressed that Ethiopia seeks to ensure such access through diplomatic engagement and mutually beneficial solutions.

Ambassador Haile reaffirmed Ethiopia’s long-term vision to become one of Africa’s five strongest economies by 2035 and one of the world’s top 20 economies by 2050. He encouraged members of the diaspora to actively participate in government development programs and major projects aimed at achieving this ambition.

The event also featured a presentation titled “The Adwa Trust: Unity, Sovereignty and Reconstruction.” The presentation highlighted the historical significance of the victory achieved on March 1, 1896, when Ethiopian forces defeated invading Italian troops, marking one of the most celebrated anti-colonial victories in African history.

Speakers noted that the triumph has become a symbol of African pride and resistance, inspiring the growth of Pan-Africanism and anti-colonial movements across the continent and among people of African descent around the world.

Participants also highlighted that Adwa’s victory represents a shared African heritage and a reminder that unity, courage and determination remain essential to rebuilding nations and strengthening the continent.

Core Reporters report that the celebration featured patriotic poems and educational video presentations by young children.