Oromia erects Martyrs' Monument
Adama, March 26, 2008 (Adama) - A monument erected to commemorate Oromo martyrs at a cost of over 63.9 million birr was inaugurated on Tuesday in Adama Town, Oromia State.

Speaking on the occasion, President Girma Woldegiorgis said the ongoing speedy development activities, peace and democratization process are results of dear sacrifices paid by the heroes and heroines.

The monument motivates people to further intensify ongoing fight against poverty. It will also contribute a lot to transfer the deeds of the Oromo martyrs to the coming generation, he said.

State Chief, Abadula Gemeda on his part said the monument is erected to commemorate the heroes and heroines, who paid sacrifices to overthrow the dictatorial Derg regime so as to ensure peace, justice and democracy in the country.

Abadula, who is also Chairman of the Oromo People Democratic Organization (OPDO), urged the public in particular youth to actively participate in development activities.

Shiek Mohammed Al Almoudi provided 50 million birr to finalize the construction of the monument, which incorporates, among others, an exhibition center, an assembly hall, research and recreation centers and a library.

Senior government officials, diplomats, religious leaders, members of the defense force and representatives of political organization and other partners attended the inaugural ceremony.

R..11:30-12:15 am

E-- 4:04-4:21

---END---

Headlines
Oromia erects Martyrs' Monument
Ethio-Turkey relations said excellent
Nobel Peace Laureate 2007 to deliver speech at AU-ECA Economic Conference
State Minister calls on stakeholders to step up fight against TB, leprosy
Janneh says Africa needs to increase economic growth to achieve MDGs
(c) The Ethiopian News Agency