Kampala — While the rest of the world was celebrating the end of the millennium in 2000, life in Ethiopia was very normal.

Nothing unusual was happening as the world contemplated the collapse of the computer system (remember Y2K), an Armageddon or the real end of mankind.

But now it is Ethiopia's time. The time has come for this culturally endowed country to celebrate her millennium. Ethiopia is sharing this millennium's celebrations with the rest of Africa with the approval of the African Union. At the African Union eighth Heads of State Summit held last year, African leaders agreed that the event be celebrated as the African Millennium.

Ethiopia, with a population of 78 million has traditionally housed Africa's diplomatic meetings, from the Organisation of African Unity to the current African Union. Ethiopia and their brothers in diaspora measure time using the Kenn Mukteria, a calendar combining the ancient Egyptian and Julian calendars, which is seven years behind the European calendar. A year consists of 13 months; the thirteenth month is only five days.

And now from Sept. 12, 2007 through Sept. 11, 2008, Ethiopians and friends of Ethiopia from around the world can come together and commemorate the transition to this unique millennium. This is another gross opportunity for Africa to turn the spotlight to herself; A grand stage on which everybody stands to benefit, culturally, politically and most especially economically.

"This we believe would serve as a springboard for an Ethiopian renaissance. The intention is also to encourage African countries to position themselves to mobilise their people and do something significant for instance tree planting, road construction and construction of water reservoirs," said Mr. Amdemichael Tekle, the Counsellor at the Ethiopian embassy in Uganda.

A National Task Force has been established to steer the celebrations. The main focus of the task force is health, education and the environment. Already, 30,000 Jamaicans have reportedly booked to attend the celebrations while Ethiopians in diaspora are also preparing to throng the city as one of Africa' s most culturally rich nations prepares to embrace the world. The millennium celebration is also an occasion for the wealthier Ethiopians to share their fortunes with the less fortunate folks back home.

"Ethiopians in the United Kingdom will construct 11 schools and 11 clinics in every federal state," revealed Tekle.

Ethiopia intends to use this unique opportunity of the new millennium to create unforgettable memories for the people and friends of Ethiopia, to leave behind a legacy of a united and determined Ethiopia, and lay down a strong foundation for a national shared vision and common platform for the future generation and for the future prosperity of Ethiopia.

"The Ethiopian Millennium Festival National Secretariat shares the hope and optimism of the millennial moment while inspiring you to create a personal and collective living legacy. It combines history, culture and sports with other noble causes for development in education, health and environment," read a statement from the National Task Force (NTF).

Focusing on the country and its people, the year long Ethiopian millennium celebration will provide the world with the true image of what makes Ethiopia a special place as the "Cradle of Mankind" integrated with a unique historical, cultural and natural environment.

Coffee was reportedly first discovered in Ethiopia as well as the 'Ark of the Covenant' made by God with the Israelites in the Bible (Old Testament) is still preserved.

Having never been colonised, Ethiopia has preserved most of its God given facets and beauty. Amharic, the only written language in Africa with its own unique script is the national language. Only recently, the Africa Travel Association, a grouping of African Americans who for decades have promoted Africa as a destination of choice for tourists held their annual meeting in Ethiopia.

All Ethiopians and wellwishers all over the world will unite to welcome this one in a thousand year event, the - Year 2000- Ethiopian Millennium. Amidst the magic and wonder of this ancient land, they will create memories to last a lifetime.

Here in Kampala, a Millennium Coordinating Committee has been set up consisting of businessmen, expatriates and Ethiopians living and working in Uganda. Ms Regassa Emerjachew, a committee member and Ethiopian Airlines Uganda area manager said the airline is already getting bookings from USA and Europe.