Addis Ababa: August 18, 2015(WIC)– The change and development that Ethiopia is witnessing is mainly the result of its People’s strong spirit in the fight against poverty – Prime Minster Hailemariam Desalegn said.
The Diaspora Day Celebration, which started since last August 12, was finalized yesterday with an event of award for individuals and institutions that made great contributions and Presentation of a certificate for all participants.
Speaking on the closing ceremony yesterday, Prime Minister Hailemariam underlined that Ethiopia is regaining its renaissance and nothing is more satisfying than being part of this achievement. The change and development is mainly the result of the country’s citizens who stood behind the government with a strong spirit to fight poverty.
The premier indicated that the rainfall shortage that has happened since last February has not caused hunger on citizens. The government, in collaboration with the regional states, has made the necessary preparation to help people, especially in the eastern part of the country, withstand possible challenges, he said.
“Our supporters have turned their eyes to what is happening in Ethiopia now with a strong desire to help us but we are safe so far. We have produced 270 million quintals of crops this year and this is indicative of the fact that we have ensured our food security,” Hailemariam remarked.
However, it is undeniable that there are households that are facing food shortage and filling this gap requires unreserved effort both from the government and other stakeholders, the Premier noted.
“Our greatest enemy is poverty,” he said. The government is ready to provide the necessary support for the participation of the Diaspora community in our relentless fight against poverty, Hailemariam noted.
Though we have attained remarkable achievements during the last few years, it is not without loopholes, the Prime Minister said. He mainly stressed that the government has set plans to uproot deep-rooted rent seeking trends in the coming five years.