Oromia Regional State Chief Abadula Gemeda said citizens striving to reduce poverty should be honored.

Abadula said success registered in poverty reduction contributes to build images of a country.

Abadula was speaking at a ceremony organized in Wolonkomi town of West Shoa Zone in Oromia State to welcome Laureate Gebisa Ejeta, winner of the 2009 World Food Prize. Wolonkomi is birthplace of Prof. Gebisa.

The chief said success of Prof. Gebisa in his efforts to reduce poverty is commendable .

Zonal chief, Yohannes Mitiku on the occasion said Prof. Gebisa's success contributes in the ongoing efforts to extricate the country from poverty and ensure food security.

Prof. Gebisa on his part said he has decided to establish a foundation at his birthplace with the 250,000 USD award he received.

Prof. Gebisa on the occasion received awards from the regional administration, the local people and the Addis Ababa University, among others.

The Ethiopian geneticist and seed-breeder, who joined the Purdue University faculty in 1984, is only the second African to win the Food Prize.

He developed and introduced the first sorghum hybrid in Africa in the early 1980s, which was drought tolerant and produced significantly higher yields.

Prof. Gebisa received MSc and PhD degrees from Purdue University in 1976 and 1978 respectively.(ENA)