PM Abiy sends Irreecha greetings, emphasizes prosperity, unity, and cultural heritage

Addis Ababa, October, 2025 (FMC) – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) has extended his heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of Irreecha 2018, the annual thanksgiving festival of the Oromo people.

This year, the festival is scheduled to take place over the weekend in Addis Ababa and Bishoftu under the theme “Irreecha for National Leap Forward.” The Hora Finfinne Irreecha is set for Saturday, October 4, 2025, while Hora Harsade Irreecha in Bishoftu will be celebrated on Sunday, October 5, 2025. Tens of thousands of Oromos are expected to attend, alongside representatives from other Ethiopian communities.

In his message ahead of the festival, the Prime Minister highlighted that Irreecha is a thanksgiving ritual through which the Oromo people express gratitude to the Creator for past blessings and seek His mercy for the future.

He noted that the festival reflects the Oromo belief that life multiplies and that the seeds sown bear fruit with the guidance and blessing of the Creator.

PM Abiy further emphasized the central role of water in Oromo culture, explaining that it is regarded as a source of purity and the foundation of creation and life.

He added that in their prayers, the Oromo honor God as the Creator, the God of all creatures, and the God associated with the Burqa Walabu, the source of Labu.

The Prime Minister observed that this year’s celebration holds special significance as it follows the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Abbay River, a milestone in meeting the nation’s long overdue energy needs.

He also underscored Ethiopia’s ongoing efforts to secure direct access to a seaport, noting that the country is pursuing this goal peacefully and legally, and that these efforts are gaining recognition from the international community.

Reflecting on recent progress, the Prime Minister remarked that, guided by a philosophy of integration, the government has worked with the people to provide committed and mature leadership. He stated that, with the help of the Creator, the country has achieved remarkable successes despite numerous challenges.

Concluding his message, the Prime Minister called on participants to uphold the core values of Irreecha—peace, mercy, and unity—and urged them to work diligently for the country’s success.