Commissioner Lelise Dhugaa is more than a leader; she is a transformative force. Her legacy in establishing and advancing Oromia’s tourism sector is a testament to her vision, intellect, and unwavering dedication.

Her Key Achievements Include:

• Founding a New Sector: She was the first to prepare and submit the proposal for the establishment of the Oromia Tourism Commission. Her idea was not only accepted but successfully realized.
• Launching “Visit Oromia”: Under the new commission, she launched the “Visit Oromia” initiative. This platform brought unprecedented attention to natural wonders like the mountains of Bale, Salale, Arsi, and Iluu Abbaa Boor, as well as the Suba Forest.
• Unifying Professionals: She successfully mobilized a wide range of experienced professionals—including cameramen, media experts, artists, and models—from both public and private sectors to collectively promote Oromia.
• Creating a Cultural Symbol: She institutionalized “Oromia Tourism Week” to precede the annual festival, featuring panel discussions and promotional events. This initiative created new opportunities, encouraging Oromo girls to develop skills in beauty and modeling through a celebrated annual competition that promoted Oromia’s culture.
• Promoting Hidden Gems: Countless previously unknown natural and artificial parks across Oromia were identified and promoted to a wider audience.
• Recognizing Contributors: She ensured that the camera professionals, park guards, tour guides, drivers, and artists who played a crucial role in showcasing Oromia’s image and beauty were recognized and celebrated, setting a precedent for future generations.
• Elevating Oromia Globally: Through her work, the God-given heritage, tourist attractions, culture, and identity of the Oromo people have gained recognition on the world stage. The resulting tourism income has directly benefited our region.
• Driving Development: Her office identified, researched, and promoted hidden tourist attractions, linking tourism directly to infrastructure development.
• Securing UNESCO Recognition: She played a major, indispensable role in the UNESCO listings for the Bale Mountains, Irreecha, and the Gada System over the past five to six years.

Commissioner Lelise is not only a skilled leader but also a woman of profound wisdom. Academically, she is a formidable intellectual. In a country where establishing a new commission is a monumental challenge, she not only created a new sector but achieved 101% success.

Overall, Commissioner Lelise Dhugaa has firmly established Oromia as a center of tourism. She successfully redirected tourist traffic that once flocked only to the north, ensuring our region received its rightful share of attention. For this, this generation praises and thanks her.

She is a strong woman whose discipline and honor reflect the dignity of all Oromo mothers. Though I do not know her personally, she carries the grace and strength of my own mother—a person whom Allah has adorned with every virtue.

I was profoundly shocked to learn of her illness. Mom… we need you. You are more valuable to Oromo and Oromia than gold. We pray for your swift and complete recovery, so you may finish the vital work you have started. May no evil befall you. May God restore you to perfect health.

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