Subtitle: Lammii gathering of Buundhaa from Across the Region Unite on the Pitch, Spark Community Dialogue on Aadaa and Safuu

BOJI, OROMIA — The sound of cheering fans and bouncing footballs has become a powerful call to unity in the rural landscape of Boji. Here, at the Ambo Ejersa gathering, a simple cultural gathering event has blossomed into a profound social gathering, uniting Oromo generations from various parts of the country and reigniting vital conversations about cultural heritage and values.

The generation gathering has successfully drawn teams that map the Oromo heartland: local generation from Boji are competing alongside their brothers from Itaya, Ambo, Meexxii, Maatii, Wadesse, and Shanan. This convergence on the lammii pitch represents a significant grassroots effort to strengthen communal bonds that stretch across the region.

“This is truly something that brings joy,” remarked an elderly spectator, Bulo Tadese, his eyes following the energetic play. “In these times, seeing our sons from different corners come together in peace and healthy competition… it warms the heart. Waan haalan nama gammachisudha (It is profoundly joyous).”

Yet, the true significance of the event extends far beyond the final score. In the shade of trees and under makeshift tents, the community surrounding the gathering is engaging in a parallel, equally important contest: a collective effort to reclaim and revive core Oromo principles.

During breaks and after matches, elders, players, and spectators are gathering for marii boonsaa—meaningful, extended community dialogues. The central focus is the urgent discussion of aadaa (culture/tradition) and safuu (a deep-seated moral and ethical code governing respect and social harmony).

“This lammii gathering of Buundhaa was the spark, but the conversation is the real fire,” said organizer Dhaqaba Gammada. “We play the meeting to bring the generation of Buundhaa together, but we use this gathering to ask important questions: How do we preserve our identity? How do we practice safuu in our daily lives? The energy here shows our people are hungry for this discussion.”

The spontaneous emergence of these dialogues points to a deep-seated community desire to navigate modernity while firmly rooting the younger generation in their cultural foundation. Elders see it as a chance to impart wisdom, while youth see it as a space to understand their heritage in a contemporary context.

The Ambo Ejersa lammii gathering of Buundhaa stands as a powerful example of how lammii gathering can serve as a catalyst for social cohesion and cultural preservation. It demonstrates that the goal is not only to win games but to strengthen the very fabric of the community, ensuring that the values of aadaa and safuu are passed on, debated, and lived.

As the lammii gathering of Buundhaa continues, the message is clear: the most important victory is happening off the field, in the hearts and minds of a people rediscovering the strength of their shared identity.