PM Abiy Says Lucy’s Discovery Enabled Ethiopia to Become Global Center for Study of human Evolution

Addis Ababa July 29/2024 (ENA) Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said that the discovery of Lucy (Dinknesh) enabled Ethiopia to become a global center for the study of human evolution by affirming the country as the origin of human species. 

The 50th Anniversary of the discovery of Lucy has been marked at Adwa Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa in the presence of Prime Minister Abiy, Deputy Prime Minister Temesegen Tiruneh, ministers, and renowned scholars on the subject drawn from various parts of the world.   

Speaking on the occasion, held under the theme ““50 years of Inspiring Discovery” Prime Minister Abiy said that Ethiopia is home to stunning cultural, natural and historical relics.

The Premier added that the discovery of Lucy has enabled members of the global scientific society to acquire knowledge on what is embedded in the earth’s crust and has laid the foundation for conducting numerous researches which were based on various inquires to be answered. 

Abiy further stated that the discovery accorded global recognition not only for Ethiopia but also Africa as the origin of human species. 

  “Lucy’s discovery was a ground breaking event that captivated both the scientific community and the world at large providing invaluable insight in to the evolution of life on Earth. It answered many questions while prompting new enquiries that continue to drive research and exploration. As we launch this anniversary, it is important to recognize that Africa as a continent is the origin of humanity. It is where all began," he explained.

The Premier noted that human kind has started to live on earth since 6 million years and added that Ethiopia played a key role in scientific researches conducted on the subject. 

 

He further noted that out of 22 human fossils discovered across the world, 13 of them were unearthed in Ethiopia. 

Part from the human fossils that were discovered, various primitive implements that were discovered in Ethiopia indicate that the country is the origin of ancient technology and culture, the Prime minister noted.  

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also mentioned that the Government has been conducting various projects like Dine for Sheger, Dine for the Nation and Dine for the Generation as part of efforts to promote tourism in the country. 

He noted that the projects were designed in consonance with the natural and ecological profile of the country adding that more such projects are already on pipeline.  

The remarkable contributions that Ethiopia has rendered to the rest world on human history, culture and world outlook has already been well recorded, Abiy underlined. 

The indigenous contributions made by the country deserve global recognition, he said adding that the Government is working on developing the tourist resources of the country so that the sector can contribute to the development of the national economy and prosperity of the country. 

“Numerous results have been accomplished over the last five years in the sector. By expending huge investment in the sector, we have been able to develop profound tourism resources based on the objective reality in the country for more sustainable tourism economy.”  Prime Minister Abiy further added. 

He also called upon the communities across the world to come and visit Ethiopia.