Amb. Kalilou Traore, the Ambassador of Côte d’Ivoire to Nigeria, says the country spent more than one billion dollars on organizing the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) competition.
Traore made this known during an interview on the sideline of the official unveiling ceremony of the ‘AFCON Village’ in Abuja.
He said the AFCON Village was set up by the embassy in partnership with Continental Hotels.
He said the facility will transmit live matches till the end of the tournament, which kicked off in Cote d’Ivoire with 24 countries seeking for the continent’s most coveted football trophy.
According to the envoy, the event, football and at large sports, have always been ways to unite people and his country could not have been more happier as host.
“The government of Côte d’Ivoire have spent more than 1-billion USD to organise it. Most of the investment were done to make logistics issues solved, like transportation, hotels, security and many others.
“Right now, I got in touch with many people in Abidjan and they were saying that life is so good now in Abidjan.
“So, things are going very well and we pray God that it will continue like this till the end of AFCON.
“Football tournament is an occasion for people to meet and when we meet we can talk about everything, particularly how to let things move forward.
“When we meet, when we discuss all issues, we can solve lots of problems, so the power of football competition is to gather people and when they are together, we can solve problems.”
The envoy described Côte d’Ivoire as a country of hospitality and peace, with its first president, Félix Houphouët-Boigny philosophy of peace, leaving dialogue and prosperity for the people.
Traore reiterated that the country had continued to leave no stone unturned to do its beat to unite the whole of Africa.
“In Côte d’Ivoire right now, President Alassane Ouattara’s government has all Ivorians mobilised to make this AFCON the best ever organised since the past competitions.
“We as Ivorian mission in Nigeria and all other countries where our mission is, also have been asked to implement this directive, to unite people, to make this occasion one of fraternity and friendship.
“This is why we have organised here in Abuja, the AFCON village with our partner, Continental Hotel.
Throughout the tournament, we will be here with all our friends to view all the matches and support all the teams.
“I wish that the best team wins this cup,” Traore said.