The Executive Secretary of IGAD, Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, stated that a fundamental change in leadership vision is now revealing and showcasing the immense wealth that Ethiopia possesses.

Dr. Workneh noted that while he had traveled to the Bale region frequently for work, he had never seen it in its current light. He explained that this transformative perspective is not because the area's nature has changed, but because "our vision has changed," underscoring that the region's vast resources had previously been overlooked and hidden.

The Executive Secretary highlighted the significance of the joint effort, stating that the sight of former and current leaders coming together to witness such developments "sends a huge message." He remarked, "In our three-day visit, we uncovered and saw Bale," adding that the development work now underway offers a partial glimpse into the region's powerful potential.

Dr. Workneh asserted that the failure to recognize Ethiopia's wealth in the past was a "problem of leadership vision." However, he celebrated that the arrival of a visionary leadership, capable of identifying and highlighting the country's assets, has led to this wealth being revealed.

He recalled that Bale, despite possessing this rich resource base, previously relied on a "safety net." Now, he concluded, that time of hardship has become history, and the region has entered a path of development that will benefit not only itself but others as well. Dr. Workneh emphasized that through cooperation, collective thinking, and working together, Ethiopia can be elevated to greatness.