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| Ba Beta Kristiyan Haile Selassie I |
| Selected Speeches |
| Haile Selassie the First - January 18, 1967 |
self-sufficient all of us have to labour hard and contribute our share to this
end in accordance with the abilities, with which the Almighty God has
endowed us in His bounty.
If we labour diligently and fully develop our country the nation will not
only be vouchsafed a prosperous life, but it can also be a source of help to
others. The wealth and natural resources of the nation are such that loans
contracted for their exploitation will undoubtedly prove to be very
rewarding. Since agriculture and animal husbandry are the main wealth of
the nation and the mainstay of Our people, it is with high hope and great
expectation that We are present here in Ginda to lay the foundation stone
of this dam which envisages the control and regulation of the flood waters
that come from the highlands so as to enable its national utilization for
irrigational purposes.
There is no doubt that with the construction of this dam and the
introduction and employment of modern agricultural methods and
techniques, the people of this area will derive added benefits which will
accordingly contribute to the raising of their standard of living and general
well-being. When the mineral resources of Our country are exploited in
addition to our agricultural resources Ethiopia can have everything in
abundance, provided we collaborate and co-operate in the realization of
our national aims. Otherwise we have no reason to be bitter against the
Almighty if we run short of our needs because of our failure.
His Highness Ras Asrate Kassa in his speech has just enumerated some of
the salient features of the measures taken for the development and growth
of this province and the results achieved from the implementation of such
measures. Although what we have accomplished so far is indicative of the
fact that we have not failed in our endeavours to do Our utmost for the
good of Our people, yet as We have already said in the past, We feel that
the greater task still lies ahead.
The equitable and balanced growth of the provinces of Our Empire, in
accordance with Our resources, both in the field of education and health
as well as in other areas of development which could further promote the
standard of living of Our people continue to engage Our attention and
energy. Such development enables Our people to acquire the same
standards achieved by the already developed countries.
We have directed Our efforts to this noble objective so that Our beloved
people would not be denied the fruits of modern living. It is with pleasure
that We view the progress achieved by all the projects which were
launched in this and other provinces of Our Empire in order to develop and
strengthen Our economy. Our pleasure is mainly derived from the fact
that these productive projects generate incomes which would enable Our
people to achieve and maintain the standard to which they aspire as well as
to exercise fully their rights which We have given to them in accordance
with Our constitution.
When We view in general the heartening progress made in the field of
education in Ethiopia We should not overlook the fact that it is also
necessary that the facilities in this regard should be sufficient. It can be
said that there are many schools in the province of Eritrea. However, We
feel that they are not enough and so it is Our duty to augment their number
in the future before the matter becomes urgent.
In the past the development of Our country and the progress for Our
people were entirely dependent upon the financial resources drawn from
Our Government Treasury. Now, however, it is encouraging to know
that the private sector is actively participating in this field through the
establishment of lasting and mutually beneficial projects. Such
undertaking have helped in relieving the pressure on Our Government
which otherwise shold have borne the incidence.
The initiative and eagerness on the part of the public to participate and
contribute in full measure it hsare will no doubt help in accelerating the
tempo of our economic and social development activities. To understand
and accept the very principle implemented in its full significance is a
matter from which pleasure can be derived.
To do one's job is one thing and to be indifferent in general and be critical
of the work of others is another matter. The former requires competence,
determination and wisdom, while the latter lacks these qualitites and
virtues. We, therefore, urge Our countrymen to rededicate themselves to
the great task that still awaits each one of them in the realization of Our
ambitious programme of nation-building. In this regard it is gratifying to
note the diligence and hard work of both men and women in this province,
a fact, which has given Us much satisfaction.
We should bear in mind that it is a natural obligation for mankind to live by
the sweat of his brow. It is, therefore, incumbent upon all Ethiopians to
use their energies and natural gifts and inclinations constructively for the
achievement of Our national goals so that there will be a bright and
promising tomorrow for their children and their children's children.
After Eritrea suffered under a forced foreign rule it was administered by
Great Britain and thereafter reunited with Ethiopia, the mother country.
Since the will of the Lord prevails, Our people of Eritrea through His wise
guidance have with diligence and dedicated service to their country
attained their present stage of development after the period of the
re-intergration of this province with Ethiopia.
In seeing this realized together with what the rest of Our country is doing
in unison, gives Us pleasure. We draw satisfaction from Our past
accomplishments and have high hopes in Our present undertakings which
are entirely dependent upon the generosity of the Almighty God.
It is Our responsibility to look after the interests and welfare of Our people
which is the will of Our Creator. However, the responsibility in this
regard is a collective one and should not be shunned.
Since this project, upon completion, will provide new employment
opportunities for Our people and in view of the economic and social
benefits that it envisages to offer, We, for Our part, shall closely follwo
with keen interest its progress and future development. Our thanks go to
Mr. De Nadai for his efforts and services which he has rendered in
connection with the works of this dam and the establishment of the share
company that intends to carry out the present undertaking. In view of his
contributions in the field of agriculture in Ethiopia, a fact that has been
confirmed by the prize that he was awarded by the Haile Selassie I Prize
Trust, We are confident that with his vast experience in this field, he will
do his utmost for the development and success of this project.
Before concluding Our remarks We take this opportunity to express Our
deep satisfaction for the services which His Highness Ras Kassa and his
assistants have rendered by contributing their share to ensure the
economic progress and healthy development of this province. We are
hopeful that the present achievements will give added strength to their
future work and endeavour.
end in accordance with the abilities, with which the Almighty God has
endowed us in His bounty.
If we labour diligently and fully develop our country the nation will not
only be vouchsafed a prosperous life, but it can also be a source of help to
others. The wealth and natural resources of the nation are such that loans
contracted for their exploitation will undoubtedly prove to be very
rewarding. Since agriculture and animal husbandry are the main wealth of
the nation and the mainstay of Our people, it is with high hope and great
expectation that We are present here in Ginda to lay the foundation stone
of this dam which envisages the control and regulation of the flood waters
that come from the highlands so as to enable its national utilization for
irrigational purposes.
There is no doubt that with the construction of this dam and the
introduction and employment of modern agricultural methods and
techniques, the people of this area will derive added benefits which will
accordingly contribute to the raising of their standard of living and general
well-being. When the mineral resources of Our country are exploited in
addition to our agricultural resources Ethiopia can have everything in
abundance, provided we collaborate and co-operate in the realization of
our national aims. Otherwise we have no reason to be bitter against the
Almighty if we run short of our needs because of our failure.
His Highness Ras Asrate Kassa in his speech has just enumerated some of
the salient features of the measures taken for the development and growth
of this province and the results achieved from the implementation of such
measures. Although what we have accomplished so far is indicative of the
fact that we have not failed in our endeavours to do Our utmost for the
good of Our people, yet as We have already said in the past, We feel that
the greater task still lies ahead.
The equitable and balanced growth of the provinces of Our Empire, in
accordance with Our resources, both in the field of education and health
as well as in other areas of development which could further promote the
standard of living of Our people continue to engage Our attention and
energy. Such development enables Our people to acquire the same
standards achieved by the already developed countries.
We have directed Our efforts to this noble objective so that Our beloved
people would not be denied the fruits of modern living. It is with pleasure
that We view the progress achieved by all the projects which were
launched in this and other provinces of Our Empire in order to develop and
strengthen Our economy. Our pleasure is mainly derived from the fact
that these productive projects generate incomes which would enable Our
people to achieve and maintain the standard to which they aspire as well as
to exercise fully their rights which We have given to them in accordance
with Our constitution.
When We view in general the heartening progress made in the field of
education in Ethiopia We should not overlook the fact that it is also
necessary that the facilities in this regard should be sufficient. It can be
said that there are many schools in the province of Eritrea. However, We
feel that they are not enough and so it is Our duty to augment their number
in the future before the matter becomes urgent.
In the past the development of Our country and the progress for Our
people were entirely dependent upon the financial resources drawn from
Our Government Treasury. Now, however, it is encouraging to know
that the private sector is actively participating in this field through the
establishment of lasting and mutually beneficial projects. Such
undertaking have helped in relieving the pressure on Our Government
which otherwise shold have borne the incidence.
The initiative and eagerness on the part of the public to participate and
contribute in full measure it hsare will no doubt help in accelerating the
tempo of our economic and social development activities. To understand
and accept the very principle implemented in its full significance is a
matter from which pleasure can be derived.
To do one's job is one thing and to be indifferent in general and be critical
of the work of others is another matter. The former requires competence,
determination and wisdom, while the latter lacks these qualitites and
virtues. We, therefore, urge Our countrymen to rededicate themselves to
the great task that still awaits each one of them in the realization of Our
ambitious programme of nation-building. In this regard it is gratifying to
note the diligence and hard work of both men and women in this province,
a fact, which has given Us much satisfaction.
We should bear in mind that it is a natural obligation for mankind to live by
the sweat of his brow. It is, therefore, incumbent upon all Ethiopians to
use their energies and natural gifts and inclinations constructively for the
achievement of Our national goals so that there will be a bright and
promising tomorrow for their children and their children's children.
After Eritrea suffered under a forced foreign rule it was administered by
Great Britain and thereafter reunited with Ethiopia, the mother country.
Since the will of the Lord prevails, Our people of Eritrea through His wise
guidance have with diligence and dedicated service to their country
attained their present stage of development after the period of the
re-intergration of this province with Ethiopia.
In seeing this realized together with what the rest of Our country is doing
in unison, gives Us pleasure. We draw satisfaction from Our past
accomplishments and have high hopes in Our present undertakings which
are entirely dependent upon the generosity of the Almighty God.
It is Our responsibility to look after the interests and welfare of Our people
which is the will of Our Creator. However, the responsibility in this
regard is a collective one and should not be shunned.
Since this project, upon completion, will provide new employment
opportunities for Our people and in view of the economic and social
benefits that it envisages to offer, We, for Our part, shall closely follwo
with keen interest its progress and future development. Our thanks go to
Mr. De Nadai for his efforts and services which he has rendered in
connection with the works of this dam and the establishment of the share
company that intends to carry out the present undertaking. In view of his
contributions in the field of agriculture in Ethiopia, a fact that has been
confirmed by the prize that he was awarded by the Haile Selassie I Prize
Trust, We are confident that with his vast experience in this field, he will
do his utmost for the development and success of this project.
Before concluding Our remarks We take this opportunity to express Our
deep satisfaction for the services which His Highness Ras Kassa and his
assistants have rendered by contributing their share to ensure the
economic progress and healthy development of this province. We are
hopeful that the present achievements will give added strength to their
future work and endeavour.
| Chapter XIII |
| Laying Cornerstone of Ginda Dam Jan. 18, 1967 |