New Year’s Eve: First Lady Dominique Ouattara launches the “Abidjan City of Light” event

First Lady Dominique Ouattara launched the “Abidjan City of Light” event on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, on the Avenue Jean Paule II adjacent to the Saint Paul Cathedral in Abidjan.

The event “Abidjan City of Light” is organized by the Autonomous District of Abidjan for eleven (11) years. This year’s theme is set as : “maintaining solidarity and unity in Côte d’Ivoire”.

It is now a tradition, the enlightment of the city of Abidjan marks the beginning of the celebration of the new year. It allows Ivorians to celebrate the new year with joy and happiness.

Taking advantage of the event, the First Lady gave the start for the distribution of food to vulnerable populations to enable them to spend a good holiday season. The wife of the Head of State offered food items worth 11,200,000 CFA francs to ten (10) vulnerable families of the Plateau commune. Next week, the solidarity caravan initiated by the President of the Republic will visit vulnerable families in all thirteen (13) communes of the Autonomous District of Abidjan in order to enable them to spend the new year  with dignity.

Speaking at the ceremony, the First Lady emphasized on the symbolic dimension of solidarity linked to the illumination of the city of Abidjan. “The illumination ceremony  is certainly a festive event that highlights the magic of the new year celebrations. But it is also and above all, a new opportunity to express our solidarity with those who need it most. This is why the theme for this year is set as: “Maintaining solidarity and unity in Côte d’Ivoire”. Much more than a simple symbol, the theme encourages the search for true solidarity and real social cohesion between the different communities that have always lived together peacefully,” said First Lady Dominique Ouattara. According to the wife of the Head of State, vulnerable families will receive food items to enable them to spend the holiday season in peace.

In addition, the sponsor of the event also revealed that the Autonomous District of Abidjan will proceed to the launch of traditional fireworks. Finally, the First Lady ended by wishing her fellow citizens a very happy holiday.

Mr. Robert Beugré Mambé, Minister-Governor of the Autonomous District of Abidjan thanked the First Lady for her tireless support for the success of this event for eleven (11) years. Mr. Robert Beugré Mambé revealed all the symbolic meanings of the light. For him, beyond the celebration aspect, the illumination of the city of Abidjan is also a way to attract tourists.

Mr. Jacques Ehouo, Mayor of Plateau, was pleased that his area was selected for this beautiful event.