Haramaya University named its Cancer Treatment Center in honor of Ali Birra, a renowned Ethiopian musician.
Haramaya Univeristy has named the cancer treatment in memory of the veteran musician Ali Mohammad Birra in a ceremony held on October 11, 2023 in Harar.
The cancer treatment center started three years ago in Haramaya University Hiwot Fana Specialized Referral Hospital after Artis Ali Mohammad Birra.
Dr. Jamal Yusuf, president of Haramaya University, said that the University named the cancer center after him in order to support the efforts of artist Ali Mohammad Birra to support cancer patients while he was being treated in addition to his musical works.
Dr. Jamal explained that the institution decided to name the cancer center after Ali Birra to recognize his efforts in supporting cancer patients during his treatment, in addition to his musical contributions.
In his speech, the Harari Regional State’s President, Ordin Bedri, said that Ali Birra has done works that transcend generations through his musical works and that the cancer center should be commemorated as he preached love and unity in the past and the cancer center in honor of Ali Birra is worthy of his contribution to the country. Mr. Ordin added that the service of the cancer center will be up to standard and the Regional State will provide the necessary support.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Ato Keder Juhar, the Mayor of Dredawa, and Mrs. Lily Markos Birra, the wife of the late Ali Birra, and Dawit Yifru, the President of the Ethiopian Musicians Association. Ato Ahmed Mohamed Kope, a long-time friend of Ali Birra, presented an article about the artist’s musical works, while colleagues from different countries and invited guests also graced the occasion.
The name of the center was inaugurated by Harari Region State’s President, Ato Ordin Bedri, Dire Dawa Mayor, Ato Keder Juhar, and Mrs. Lily Markos Birra, wife of Ali Birra, and Dr. Jamal Yusuf, President of Haramaya University.
Ato Ahmed Mohamed Kope, a long-time friend of artist Ali Mohammad Bira, presented an article about Ali Birra’s musical works during the event.
Dawit Yifru, President of the Ethiopian Musicians Association, his colleagues from different countries, and invited guests attended the event.
By: Shemsedin Mohammed
Photographs: Foad Ahmed & Behailu Girma
PIRD