The Ambassador of Cote d’Ivoire to Nigeria, Kalilou Traore, says the country spent more than $1 billion to organise the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Traore made this known during an interview on the sideline of the official unveiling ceremony of the ‘AFCON Village’ in Abuja on Saturday night.
He said the AFCON village was set up in partnership with Continental Hotel.
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 the continent’s most coveted football trophy on February 11, 2024.
Traore said: “The government of Cote d’Ivoire has spent more than $1 billion to organise it. Most of the investment was designed to solve logistics issues like transportation, hotels, security, and many others.
“Right now, I was in touch with many people in Abidjan and they were saying that life is so good now in Abidjan.
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“So things are going very well and we pray to 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 is to gather people and when they are together, we can solve problems.”
The envoy described Cote d’Ivoire as a country of hospitality and peace since its first president, Felix Houphouet-Boigny’s philosophy of peace, dialogue, and prosperity for people.
Traore reiterated that the country has continued to leave no stone unturned to do its best to unite Africa.
He added: “In Cote d’Ivoire right now, President Alassane Ouattara’s government has all Ivorians mobilised to make this AFCON the best ever organised since the past.
“We as the Ivorian mission in Nigeria will 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.”
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