Hawassa University(HwU) awarded honorary Doctoral Degree to Mr. Yohei Sasakawa

Following Hawassa University’s Senate decision to bestow an Honorary Doctoral Degree to Mr.Yohei Sasakawa on July 14, 2012, Ethiopian ambassador to Japan His Excellency Mr. Markos Tekle awarded the Doctor of Agriculture Development Honoris Causa and Medal to Mr.Yohei Sasakawa, Chair of the Nippon Foundation,on an official ceremony held at the Ethiopian Embassy in Tokyo On December 12, 2012. Mr. Sasakawa was not able to travel to Ethiopia for health reasons.

On the awarding ceremony held at Ethiopian Embassy in Tokyo Japan, His Excellency Markos Tekle said Sasakawa Global has played a significant role in his country in minimizing the rate of famine, in enabling many people to be self- sufficient in food, in protecting natural resources and generally in the development of the country. 

The ambassador added that the Sasakwa Program being financed by Nippon Foundation has brought many Sub- Sahara African countries out of poverty. According to Mr. Markos, it is realizing these successful achievements in Ethiopia that HwU decided to award the Chair of the Foundation.  His Excellency also expressed his pride for getting the chance to award the Honorary Degree to Mr. Sasakawa on behalf of HwU.

Extending his heartfelt thanks to be chosen for such a great honor, Mr. Sasakawa resonated that the Sasakawa Program has changed the lives of many farmers in Sub –Sahara Africa in general and in Ethiopia in particular. Mr. Sasakawa also promised to keep working with Ethiopia.

13 invited guests including two officials from Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs were convened on the occasion.

Story writer Yekatit Hailu

Edited by Melisew Dejene