In a matter of weeks, Sheikh Mohammed Al-Amoudi was awarded tow recognitions for his philanthropic activities in Ethiopia and what he has done to make the Millennium Celebration colourful, if not sparing the government from having  ‘curry millennium’
 

The first was organised by a private group of people who  managed to bring the head of state onboard so that he handed a trophy over to the Sheikh who was credited for helping so much during their time of needs at an event held at the Sheraton Addis. The organisers', a couple who own Kalids Coffee, decision to name the Sheikh a "Man of the Millennium" was not taken positively across gossip corridors in town. Least of all, it was taken as an insult to the many Ethiopian nationals who have contributed so much in shaping this nation over the past 1,000 years, although hardly would there be people who question his generosity accorded to many.
 

Nevertheless, the couple's effort in contracting journalists from the national TV to produce a documentary on his life and kindness was seen as more than a success, gossip disclosed. Featuring the Sheikh beginning from his childhood in Woldia to what he has done to help so many has had a profound effect on many. You would be challenged not to cry when you see what those who have been supported by him would have to say about their plights, said one at the gossip corridor.
 

Interestingly, the Sheikh was humble and modest enough to tell the crowd comprising ministers reportedly attending the event in short notice that the title bestowed upon him as "Man of the Millennium" was a bit too much, according to gossip. He was, however, acknowledged for covering 80pc of the expenses put to have a national Millennium celebration all across the country. Although gossip claims it was organised in a rushed manner, the federal government handed him  its first Millennium medal on Wednesday, at a ceremony held at the National Palace.

Gossip corridor was divided in its reaction, though. For some, the award was long overdue, while others saw it as a move by the government made at the right time. It was indeed the first time the Sheikh was given a government sponsored award over the past 15 years. The Prime Minister believed the Sheikh has invested in Ethiopia long before foreign direct investment (FDI) flowed here and when he was not even sure there would be returns to his investments. His humanitarian activities and what he has put into making the Millennium remarkable were also behind him getting a gold medal that reads, "We Owe You".

Not everyone was happy with him, according to gossip. The selection of local performers in particular turned out to be a disappointment for Oromiffa music fans; there was no single Oromiffa singer during the Millennium concert. Not even Gossaye Tesfaye, whose new album includes a hybrid of Amharic and Oromiffa, had the opportunity to perform during the night of New Year's Eve. Gossip says he had left frustrated after waiting too long through the night. Of course, this would have been far from satisfying for those who looked forward to enjoy the performance of Oromiffa singers such as Getachew H. Mariam. Gossip claims his name had been forwarded to the organisers long before that night. Young fans of the Black Eyed Peas, whose members had left on Friday night, have enjoyed their performance largely considered by the older crowd as too long and a bit too boring. The latter, who felt the American band was given way too much time, seemed to have enjoyed Aster Aweke's performance instead, and to some extent Ephrem Tamiru's.
 

On the down side, the highly anticipated Tewodros Tadesse and the latest sensation Abnet Agonafir were in the category of disappointments. This is not to mention Zeritu Kebede's injudicious behaviour in asking the crowd whether to sing or leave for home for she had an alleged flu. She was successful in making herself appear contemptuous of the crowd. Thumps up for the Sheraton Addis' 1,500 crew observed to have been very enthusiastic in serving tens of thousands of partygoers, equipped only with a 10-day training prior to the challenging night. Of course, they will serve another crowd come the end of Ramadan and the end of 2007.