Inauguration of re-erected Axum obelisk gives color to millennium celebrations

A woman throws popcorn on to one of the sections of the
Axum obelisk passing her in the street on the way to its
finalresting place in Axum's northern obelisk field.

03 September, 2008

Addis Ababa (ENA) - The Ministry of Information announced that inauguration of the re-erected Axum obelisk has given additional color for ongoing Ethiopian Millennium Celebrations.

The new 303-meter long Abay Bridge would also be inaugurated on September 10, 2008. The bridge over the Abay river enables smooth flow of vehicle traffic along this major highway which traverses many commercially viable areas, thus would serve to speed up development of the nation.

In a statement it issued on Wednesday, the ministry said the Axum obelisk would be inaugurated tomorrow in the presence of thousands of local and foreign guests.

The shining victory of Ethiopian Athletics Squad at 2008 Beijing Olympics, the inauguration of the obelisk and the bridge will have come as major events to give more flavor to upcoming programs that mark the conclusion of the all-year-round celebrations of the Ethiopian millennium.

Various events conducted so far as part of the millennium celebrations have shed more light on the history of the country, culture and unity of nations, nationalities and peoples, and future prospects for economic development and prosperity of the country, it said.

The events have also played greater role to create national consensus and for image building.

The ministry said it was a time at which the nations, nationalities and peoples' of the country came closer together to renew their commitments to intensify ongoing fight against poverty.