Report by Ezra Ejigu
The Addis Ababa Health Bureau has decided to provide them with free medical care.
Veteran media professionals Addis Alem Hadgu and Belhu Terefe were overcome with emotion today as they were honored with traditional ceremonial shawls (“gabi”) in recognition of their lifelong contributions.
These distinguished professionals, who have left an unforgettable mark on the history of Ethiopian media, have served with dedication for more than 35 years. They were celebrated and appreciated by their colleagues for their outstanding service.
The recognition ceremony took place on Saturday, July 25, 2026 (Hamle 18, 2018 E.C.), beginning at 10:00 a.m., at the Womezekir Mersehazen Hall. Media professionals, friends, and supporters attended the event, expressing their gratitude by saying, “We, too, are grateful to you,” and adding dignity to the occasion.
A special committee was established to organize the recognition event and to create sustainable ways of supporting the veteran professionals in the future.
Members of the committee, who coordinated the event through a WhatsApp group, included Tilahun Kassa, Habtamu Dires, Solomon Haile-Iyesus, Ezera Ejigu (Tewodaj Media), Alem Tadesse, Senait Haile, Eshetu Geletu, Geetu Temesgen, and Gidey Gebre. They said they were pleased that an initiative conceived in a short period had been successfully carried out.
The Addis Ababa Health Bureau also announced that it would facilitate free medical treatment for the honored media veterans. Participants emphasized that this culture of supporting one another should continue and grow stronger.
Addis Alem Hadgu worked as an editor and journalist in the Tigrinya section of Ethiopian Television and is well known for serving the profession with dedication and integrity for more than 35 years.
Belhu Terefe, meanwhile, worked at Ethiopian Radio for over 30 years, contributing to programs such as Science Archive, Identity Under Examination, and Zikre Senbet. He is also recognized for mentoring younger professionals and leaving a lasting legacy.
The initiative, guided by the principle “Let us honor people while they are still alive,” aims to support media professionals throughout their lives and stand beside them during times of hardship. Organizers said such efforts would continue in the future.
Colleagues who testified during the ceremony described both honorees as highly dedicated professionals who faithfully fulfilled the responsibilities entrusted to them by their country. They also noted that recognizing veteran professionals serves as an inspiration for the next generation.
A short documentary highlighting the history of Ethiopian media since the 1950s was screened during the event, and some of the honorees’ past broadcasts were presented to the audience.
The two honorees, Addis Alem Hadgu and Belhu Terefe, expressed heartfelt gratitude, saying they had never experienced such joy before. They blessed everyone who had worked to make the event a success, wishing them God’s guidance.
Committee member Eshetu Geletu explained that colleagues at Ethiopian Radio and Television began a mutual support initiative two years ago and that this recognition ceremony was part of that effort.
He also recommended creating a system to support retired media professionals, particularly through economic assistance, and establishing mechanisms to monitor and assist with their health after retirement.
In addition, he said retired professionals should continue contributing by sharing their knowledge and experience through mentoring. He stressed that achieving this vision would require cooperation between the government and relevant media associations.
The event was made possible through contributions from many supporters. Ato Sertsefre Sibhat provided the venue, journalist Mahdere Tariku donated a projector, Fitihawok Wondwesen documented the event through video and photography, and Alpha Water supplied drinking water for attendees, all helping ensure the ceremony’s success.