UoG Celebrates the Adwa War: One of Ethiopia’s many Victories against Colonial Powers
The University of Gondar celebrates Adwa Victory Day every year. And this year was no different as UoG celebrated the 127th Adwa Victory Day on March 7, 2023, at Maraki Campus’s Aluminum Hall.
The University of Gondar academic vice president and president’s delegate Dr. Kassahun Tegenge, historian and social activist Mr. Taye Bogale (guest of honor), UoG’s Social Science and Humanities dean, Dr. Agenghew Tesfa, Professor Fikre Tolossa Veterans and patriots of Ethiopia’s glorious past, teachers, students and invited guests all attended the victory celebration. The day had festivities, poetry sessions, keynote speeches, presentations, and question and answer sessions.
The Battle of Adwa was the groundbreaking battle of the First Italo-Ethiopian War. The Ethiopian forces defeated the Italian invading force on Sunday 1 March 1896, near the town of Adwa. The decisive victory thwarted the campaign of the Kingdom of Italy to expand its colonial empire in the Horn of Africa.
In his opening speech, Dr. Kasahun emphasized that the key secret to winning the Adwa war was “unity”, and stressed that the youth, especially the students who are studying in higher education institutions, and who will be the next generation, must understand the importance of unity from their forefathers, maintain the peace of their country, and serve themselves and their people.
In his keynote speech, which was nothing short of motivational, Mr. Taye Bogale stated that Ethiopia has a history and past that spans millennia and is a pride for all people. However, he says that in current times there are people who claim to be intellectuals but are really individuals who want to belittle the great gains and past of their own country. These people with a loss of sense of identity, shared Taye, have become trees without leaves and clouds without water. He stressed that scholars and historians have the responsibility of teaching and enlightening the next generation about the correct history of the country and not spreading false information for the sake of political gain.
The day also had presentations on the historical events during that memorable and unforgettable period. One title of the day was, “the role of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Adwa’s victory,” by Mr. Mulugeta Ayalew. The University of Gondar Community School students also took part in the event by singing songs, reciting poetry and even giving a cultural dance performance for those in attendance.
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