By Mohamud A. Ahmed – Cagaweyne
I have arrived in Jigjiga, my beloved city, the beating heart of the Somali Region, where history whispers through its bustling streets, and the winds of change carry the promise of a brighter tomorrow. Jigjiga is not just the capital of the Somali Region of Ethiopia, home to over 14 million people—it is, in truth, the hidden capital of over 40 million Somalis across the Horn of Africa. Regardless of borders, Jigjiga symbolizes the unity and strength of a people whose resilience and potential can surpass any ethnicity in the region. It is a city that stands as a beacon of Somali identity, pride, and possibility.
As a writer, I was stunned when I returned to the city after a month of wandering through the Horn of Africa’s largest cities. The changes I witnessed in Jigjiga demanded that my pen rush to capture the city’s essence – the transformations, the relentless dust, and the ambitious initiatives that have gripped its soul. Chief among them is the Jigjiga Corridors Development Program, the talk of the town and a monumental project shaping its future. Amidst the dust, the heat of the day, and the surprising coldness of its nights, Jigjiga left me both reflective and inspired. This city is alive, dynamic, and evolving with every breath it takes.
A Vision Beyond Expectations
The Jigjiga of today might surprise some, but the Jigjiga of tomorrow will astonish all. This development program, when fully realized, will catapult the city into an era of unparalleled grandeur. Within the next decade, Jigjiga is destined to emerge as a political hub, a focal point of strategic influence radiating across the Horn of Africa.
The city’s transformation promises not only aesthetic enhancements but also substantial improvements in infrastructure, governance, and social equity. It is the kind of progress that beckons opportunity – an open invitation to visionaries, investors, and dreamers alike.
The Time Is Now
In Jigjiga, the sands of time shift quickly. Land, which now lies within reach, will soon be a treasure sought by many. Strategic minds recognize that the moment to act is now – before the city’s value ascends beyond the grasp of those who are delayed. The corridors of Jigjiga are not merely pathways of commerce; they are the arteries of a new Somali narrative.
Jigjiga is not just a city – it is a sanctuary of stability in a region often defined by its challenges. It stands apart from other Ethiopian cities, offering the unique trifecta of serenity, development, and essential services such as electricity and water. Here, the air carries the scent of promise, and the streets hum with the quiet confidence of a city on the rise.
A Call to Dreamers and Builders
As the sun sets over Jigjiga’s vibrant horizons, painting the sky with hues of hope and ambition, the city whispers to those who listen closely: “Come, build your future here.” Whether it is Somalis returning to their roots or visionaries seeking fertile ground for growth, Jigjiga is ready to embrace them.
The political stability, nurtured by careful governance, sets the stage for an era of unparalleled progress. Unlike other cities that falter under the weight of uncertainty, Jigjiga’s direction is clear and its steps unwavering.
The Soul of Jigjiga
Jigjiga is more than its streets, its buildings, or its programs. It is the heartbeat of a people whose resilience is as vast as the plains that stretch beyond the city limits. It is the spirit of unity, the laughter of children in its markets, the song of progress echoing in its corridors.
Here, in this city that I call home, I find not just a place to live but a source of inspiration, a testament to what can be achieved when determination meets opportunity. The future belongs to Jigjiga, and those who align with its vision will reap the rewards of their foresight.
Greetings from Jigjiga: A City on the Brink of Greatness
Jigjiga rises as a beacon of hope, a testament to what is possible when ambition and stability intertwine. To my readers, I say this: Jigjiga is not just a city. It is a story waiting to be told, a canvas waiting for the bold strokes of those willing to invest in its promise.
Come to Jigjiga – where serenity meets ambition and where the dreams of a region converge into a future that is brighter than ever.
The writer can be reached at : +251900644648
Editor’s note : Views in the article do not necessarily reflect the views of borkena.com
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Ethiopian Somalis are one of the most resourceful people around. When they are left alone in peace and stability, they have the naturally gifted craft to make something out of almost nothing. I had the privilege of spending my early childhood years with Somalis around me. If an Ethiopian Somali takes you in as one of his/her own, that is for a lifetime. Now, with the infrastructure in place and peace and stability have come to town to stay, an all out industrialization is in order. With the right products manufactured there is a huge domestic market already inside Ethiopia itself.
Bravo, bravo, bravo, my very dear Ethiopian Somali brothers and sisters!!! Good job Brother President Mustafa!!!!
Fitawari Tekle Hawariat Tekle Mariam was the Governor of the Somali Region of Ethiopia. He designed the City of Jijiga with the help of French Engineers. His governorship was favorably remembered by the local population who gave him the nicknames of ‘‘Sehiye’’ (Sleeping in Peace) and ‘‘Tahir’’ (Light) after earning a reputation for ‘‘enlightened administration’’ characterised by peace and progress.