The Ministry of Tourism announced that it has made arrangements for the second generation Ethiopians to explore the wide range of attractions.
It is to be recalled that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed called on second generation Ethiopians residing in different countries to return home in three rounds, starting from December 30, 2023 to September 30, 2024.
The first round, which took place from December 30, 2023 to January 29, 2024, saw second generation Ethiopians responding to the call and reconnecting with their roots.
A warm welcome was extended to them at Bole International Airport by the Addis Ababa City Administration, the Prime Minister’s Office, and other organizations.
The diaspora were then provided with an integrated services in Addis Ababa, allowing them to visit both new and existing attractions.
As part of the tour program, a comprehensive tourism package was prepared by focusing on notable destinations such as Entoto Park, Unity Park, Friendship Park, and the Addis Ababa Old City Square, includ
ing Piazza. They were also able to visit to the National Museum, where various attractions including the famous Lucy are exhibited.
In addition to designing packages that enable them visit various tourism attractions across Ethiopia, the ministry has been implementing one stop window services to ensure a hassle-free visa process for the second generation Ethiopians, it was learned.
Tourism State Minister Sileshi Girma emphasized that those participating in the second and third round will have the opportunity to explore different regions of the country, encouraging Ethiopians worldwide to visit the country and experience the diverse tourist destinations.
Besides knowing their country, a favorable environment is created for those interested in engaging in various investment opportunities.
Reflecting on their experiences during the first phase, second generation Ethiopians who came to their homeland expressed appreciation for the warm welcome they received upon arrival.
Neima Samir from London stated tha
t they had the opportunity to visit different places of attraction within Addis Ababa city.
Prince Fethanegest from Sweden described his admiration of the places he visited, saying that he found them to be on par with European destinations.
Both Neima and Prince Fethanegest called upon people to visit Ethiopia, emphasizing the abundance of captivating locations to explore.
“We started our tour in Adwa, a remarkably beautiful and awe-inspiring place. I highly recommend visitors to prioritize this destination. It holds a significant historical importance and offers delightful experiences,” Neima said.
Prince Fethanegest added that “although born in different countries like Europe, America, Arab countries, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, the roots of the diaspora are in Ethiopia. There is so much to see, so many places to visit here. Ethiopia has its unique charm.”
According to the call made by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the second round visit of second-generation Ethiopians will take place from F
ebruary to the end of May, with the aim of deepening their understanding of Ethiopian history.
The third round will follow, running from June 23 to January 29, 2024, with the objective of leaving a lasting impact on the participants.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency
Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina and Senator Joe Nyutu have issued an ultimatum to illicit brew traders to close shops, saying that the fight is unstoppable to save a generation at risk of being wiped out.
This comes as administrators and the public are still reeling in shock after it emerged that more casualties have been reported after a lethal brew suspected to be laced with ethanol left more than ten people dead while five lost their eyesight in the neighbouring Kirinyaga County.
Speaking at Ithiru, Kandara Constituency, on Wednesday during a Murang’a NGAAF project meeting, the Woman Representative noted that alcoholism is detrimental to the growth and development of any society and added that it is paramount that all stakeholders join in the fight.
‘Murang’a women will fight illicit brews to the end because it is unacceptable for our young men, women, and even the elderly to die from consuming the illicit brews as the sellers and manufacturers thrive through this trade,’ she said. ‘We are tir
ed of burying our sons,’ she added.
Maina further thanked the local administration and the police for the spirited fight they have continuously put into arresting the traders of illicit brews.
Senator Joe Nyutu called on liquor licensing bodies to get tough on standardisation and licensing of the brews, as some contain harmful substances and should not be on the market.
‘We must save our generation, and we join Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in this fight and declare that manufacturers and traders of illicit brews in the Mt. Kenya region will be brought to book,’ he averred.
‘Stringent measures must be put in place, as we will not allow killer brews in this region,’ added Nyutu.
At the same time, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Chairperson Engineer Anthony Mwaura noted that the economy cannot be developed with proceeds from illicit brews.
‘Stop collecting bribes to allow the illicit brew trade to go on; together we can save our generation, and the local administration must be on the lookout for these i
llicit brews and substance dealers,’ he observed.
Mwaura also called on parents in the avocado-rich county to encourage and allow their children to pursue education, as it is the only way to secure their future and seize the numerous opportunities available globally.
‘Education is an equaliser and game changer in today’s ever-competitive world, so allow your children to go to school so that way they will uplift society; no child should be home harvesting avocados or carrying out activities that are not related to their school work,’ he reiterated.
During the event, which was attended by hundreds, the woman representative issued 15 water tanks to 15 public institutions, and over 1000 elderly men and women above 67 years of age were gifted with blankets and food essentials.
The Ithiru community members were also given 5,000 seedlings of the Hass avocado.
Source: Kenya News Agency