The 9th organisational conference of the Oromo People Democratic Organization (OPDO) kicked off in the city of Jimma, Oromia regional state, yesterday.
The conference attracted a total of 6,000 participants, including Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Organization, Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed and Lemma Megersa.
In his opening remark, Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed called for more unity and teamwork to make Ethiopia stronger and a model for Africa.
He urged the public to fight against defeatist attitudes with better and winning ideas so as to defeat those who want to undermine national and Oromo unity.
The Premier further called for a return to Oromo’s Gadaa tradition and inclusive culture to strengthen the unity of the Oromo people.
The Premier also urged political parties to refrain from trading in the name of Oromo people and its struggle.
He also called on OPDO and the Oromo people to join hands and provide leadership that accommodates, embraces and works for all.
Chief Administrator of Oromia regional state, Lemma Megersa for his part urged political parties organised in the name of Oromo people to safeguard the ongoing reforms by resolving their differences through dialogue.
The conference will pass historic decisions as well as review OPDO’s past three-year performances.
It will also deliberate on a draft proposal presented to change the name, emblem, and the anthem of the Organization.
