Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) emphasized that Ethiopia's journey towards prosperity is measured not by mere statistics, but by its tangible impact on the daily lives of citizens. He made the remarks during a working visit to the South West Ethiopia Peoples' Region.
The Prime Minister's visit highlighted a dual approach to national development: modernizing rural livelihoods through infrastructure and securing the future through quality education.
In Guraferda Wereda, the Prime Minister visited a Model Rural Corridor project designed to transform the living standards of the farming community. Although the area is rich in coffee and agricultural output, the Prime Minister noted that residential standards had historically lagged behind the land's productivity.
To solve this, the corridor initiative has introduced modernized housing equipped with proper sanitation, kitchens, separate bedrooms, and livestock shelters. Beyond infrastructure, the project promotes food security through the cultivation of vegetables and honey, while integrated information networks empower farmers to bypass exploitative middlemen and receive fair value for their labor.
Parallel to these economic improvements, the Prime Minister inaugurated the 37th secondary boarding school built by the Office of the First Lady in Surma Wereda. This project is part of a national commitment to ensure that no child is denied an education due to a lack of facilities. The new school is a state-of-the-art institution featuring solar-powered computer labs, clean water access, libraries, and full residential amenities.
Reflecting on these milestones, Prime Minister Abiy stated that the ultimate goal is to lay a foundation that benefits the coming generation. He called on parents in the Surma area to encourage their children to pursue a lifestyle that surpasses their own, contributing to the nation while preserving their cultural heritage. By preparing the youth for a better tomorrow and equipping farmers with modern resources today, the Prime Minister noted that the government is ensuring that national growth is both inclusive and sustainable across every rural and urban community.