Kalilou Traore, the Ambassador of Côte d’Ivoire to Nigeria, has described cooperation between his country and Nigeria as remarkable example of African solidarity and continental unity.
Traore said this in his inaugural address at the maiden Live transmission ceremony of the Africa Cup of Nations matches in the AFCON village in Abuja.
According to the envoy, the event which was put together by the mission through collaboration with the Abuja Continental Hotel would start from from Jan. 13 to Feb. 11.
“The cooperation between Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria is a remarkable example of African solidarity and continental unity.
“I would like to salute the presence of the diplomatic corps and all our guests and the diaspora for your presence alongside us.
“I wish all participating teams good luck in the competition; may this African Cup of Nations be a moment of celebration, fair play and fraternity between African nations.
“I invite you to take full advantage of this evening and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of AFCON 2023 with the ceremony and the opening match between Ivory Coast – GUINEA BISSAU.
“May this event strengthen the ties between our countries and leave a positive legacy for African football.”
The envoy said the initiative was designed to celebrate the prestigious sporting event taking place in Ivory Coast, adding Ivory Coast is proud to host the African Cup of Nations.
He said the President of Côte d’Ivoire, the Ivorian government and people had mobilized to ensure the competition was showcased as the most beautiful ever organised.
“Massive investments have been made and attendance announcements are already breaking all records The Ivory Coast Embassy in Nigeria could not remain on the sidelines of this great mass.
“Thus all matches of the competition will be broadcast throughout this month in the AFCON village in Abuja in collaboration with our partner Abuja Continental Hotel”.
The envoy further expressed appreciation to the hotel management and Nigeria authorities for their support to ensure success in the organization of the AFCON village at all levels.
Mr Javier Sanchez, General Manager of the hotel, said partnership with the embassy was borne out of encouragement from the diplomatic mission.
“Embassy of Côte d’Ivoire as the hosting country of this event really pushed us to go ahead with this, we were planning to do it, but they gave us the push to put all these up,” he said.
The event attracted stakeholders from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, diplomatic community, as well as private organisations.