Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed shared a candid and personal account of his initial disappointment and subsequent hope for the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), describing the project's journey as a metaphor for Ethiopia's own transformation.

He recalled a state of disarray and a stark contrast between what had been promised and what he witnessed. He went on to say that the subsequent transformation of the dam to its current state is "as vast as the sky and the earth," a powerful testament to the unwavering resilience and determination of the Ethiopian people.

The Prime Minister then connected this national project to a deeper, historical narrative. He acknowledged that for centuries, Ethiopians have lamented the loss of the Abay River, expressing their sorrow through various forms, including art and poetry. He cited a poignant proverb that captures this sense of missed opportunity:

How did Abay jest with Lake Tana? He said he would stay just for a day, and then he was off to Guba.

According to the Prime Minister, this historical struggle has shaped the current generation, compelling them to move from a state of geo-political "slump" to a better "stature." He believes this generation has understood that the past was unacceptable and has, with a firm resolve, committed to the work needed to forge a new path.

In a concluding message, Prime Minister Abiy urged the public to recognize the immense blessings the country has been given and to use them diligently to overcome challenges. He expressed a sense of sorrow that a nation so blessed by nature could become a symbol of hunger, stating, "I feel that God is saddened by our becoming a symbol of hunger because we failed to use the blessings we were given." His remarks underscored a core message of self-reliance, unity, and a firm commitment to transforming the nation's potential into prosperity.