130th Anniversary of the Victory of Adwa and International Women’s Day “March 8” Celebrated in Abuja

By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters Abuja,  Nigeria

The Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in Abuja hosted a colourful and symbolic celebration to mark the 130th anniversary of the historic Battle of Adwa and International  Women’s Day drawing Ethiopians in Nigeria, members of the diaspora, and Nigerian friends of Ethiopia to reflect on Africa’s enduring legacy of resistance, unity and gender inclusion.

The event, held on Saturday in Abuja, combined the themes “Adwa 130: From a Dark History to a Bright Horizon!” and “50 Years of Women’s Voice for Equality and Prosperity,” highlighting both the historic African victory over colonial aggression and the growing role of women in governance and national development.

Delivering the keynote address, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Legesse Geremew Haile described the 1896 Adwa victory as a defining moment in global history that demonstrated the power of unity, sacrifice and patriotism among Ethiopians.

According to the ambassador, the triumph was achieved through the collective determination of the Ethiopian people, with women playing indispensable roles both on and off the battlefield.

He noted that the legacy of Adwa continues to inspire modern Ethiopia’s commitment to gender equality, pointing out that Ethiopian women now occupy key leadership positions in government, including meaningful representation in parliament, cabinet and regional administrations.

Ambassador Haile also urged young Ethiopians to embrace the enduring “Spirit of Adwa” by contributing to the protection of national interests and supporting the country’s ongoing economic transformation.

He highlighted several major government initiatives aimed at accelerating national development, including agricultural modernization that has positioned Ethiopia among Africa’s leading wheat producers, industrial expansion through the “Ethiopia Tamirt” (Ethiopia Produces) initiative, tourism development under the Gebeta projects, and digital transformation through the adoption of artificial intelligence to improve public service delivery.

The ambassador further called on Ethiopians in the diaspora to actively participate in these national development programmes and major projects, stressing that their support is essential for the country’s progress.

Addressing strategic economic priorities, he also appealed for unity in backing Ethiopia’s pursuit of 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 emphasized that the government is committed to achieving this objective through diplomacy and mutually beneficial arrangements with neighbouring countries.

Looking ahead, the envoy reiterated Ethiopia’s long-term economic vision of becoming one of Africa’s five strongest economies by 2035 and among the world’s top 20 economies by 2050.

The celebration also featured a presentation titled “The Trust of Adwa: Unity, Sovereignty, and Reconstruction,” which revisited the significance of the historic victory over Italian forces in 1896 and its enduring influence on Pan-Africanism and global anti-colonial struggles.

Speakers and participants emphasized that the Adwa victory not only safeguarded Ethiopia’s sovereignty but also became a powerful symbol of hope and resistance for Africans and people of African descent worldwide, inspiring generations to fight for independence, dignity and self-determination.

African participants at the event described Adwa as a shared continental triumph, urging today’s generation to draw inspiration from its legacy to rebuild both Ethiopia and the broader African continent.

The celebration was further enlivened by patriotic poetry and educational video presentations performed by Ethiopian children, showcasing cultural pride and historical awareness among the younger generation.

The ceremony began with the Ethiopian national anthem and concluded with a ceremonial cake-cutting and a reception attended by diplomats, members of the Ethiopian community, and guests from Nigeria.