The ambassador of Côte d’Ivoire to Nigeria, Kalilou Traore says his country spent more than US$1 billion to organise the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Mr Traore disclosed this during an interview on the sideline of the official unveiling ceremony of the ‘AFCON Village’ on Saturday night in Abuja.
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.
“The government of Côte d’Ivoire has spent more than US$1 billion to organise it. Most of the investments were designed to solve logistics issues like transportation, hotels, security and many others,” Mr Traore explained.
He said that currently, “life is so good” in Abidjan, noting that the tournament also allowed people to discuss matters.
The envoy said President Alassane Ouattara’s administration also mobilised Ivorians to make AFCON the best.
“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,” he said.
The envoy described Côte d’Ivoire as a country of hospitality and peace since its first president, Félix Houphouët-Boigny’s philosophy of peace, dialogue and prosperity for people.
Mr Traore reiterated that the country had continued to leave no stone unturned to do its best to unite Africa.
He said the Ivorian mission in Nigeria will also unite people to make the occasion memorable.
“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,” Mr Traore said.
