Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD), speaking at the inauguration of the Ogaden Liquid Natural Gas Project, underscored the national commitment to pursuing big solutions for small problems, urging Ethiopians to embrace a mindset of rapid execution to achieve shared prosperity.
"We will strengthen and continue our pursuit of big solutions for small problems," declared Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. He conveyed a clear message that attempting to solve minor challenges with minor remedies means the nation will perpetually be chased by the problem.
Drawing on the philosophy of 'Medemer' (Synergy), the Prime Minister explained that tackling small issues with major initiatives is the way to leap forward and ensure that problems do not pursue the nation. This approach, which mirrors the development experiences of Russia and China, is the driving force behind the mega-projects Ethiopia has initiated. These projects are designed to allow the country to leapfrog existing challenges.
Abiy asserted that with a population of 130 million, Ethiopia cannot resolve its challenges and achieve prosperity by crawling along the path of the past. He proclaimed that the Renaissance has awakened the nation at dawn from a deep slumber, and together with patriots, the government will continue to launch and execute massive projects.
The Prime Minister then stressed the importance of unwavering diligence, stating, "We need diligent liars for us to diligently start and finish." He clarified this by saying, "They will lie, and we will work; they will talk, and we will perform. Through all our endeavors, we will elevate all Ethiopians."
He cited recent progress, noting that following the 2018 political period and the subsequent inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD)—a project meant to invigorate all of Africa—nearly $10 billion USD in investment has been launched and inaugurated in the Somali Regional State in less than a month, including the project inaugurated on that day.
He stressed the imperative to work diligently until this "Sun of Prosperity" that has dawned for the Somali Region extends its light across all of Ethiopia, successfully lifting every citizen from the mire of poverty to the level of prosperity they deserve.
Emphasizing the shared responsibility of the people and the government, he stated their joint duty is to work diligently and complete what they start. The Prime Minister concluded with a firm vow: "Through all our works, we will secure prosperity. We will not sleep until this is achieved."
Finally, the Prime Minister extended a call to the region, appealing to all citizens of East Africa to realize prosperity through their collective commitment to thinking big, initiating quickly, concluding rapidly, and delivering results—a practice he believes will lead to shared prosperity.
