Festive season: First Lady launches festive “illumination” under the banner of unity and solidarity
The First Lady, Mrs Dominique Ouattara, officially launched the illumination of the city of Abidjan on Friday, December 20, 2024, at Plateau, avenue Jean Paul II.
The theme of this year’s event is “For a United and Triumphant country”. This theme highlights the fundamental values of unity, sharing and solidarity, essential for development and national cohesion.
In keeping with this spirit of generosity, the First Lady took advantage of this celebration to offer gifts of food and non-living items to the most needy families in the District of Abidjan. These actions are meant to enable beneficiaries to fully experience the magic of the festive season, and to strengthen the bonds of solidarity within the community. “Christmas and the end of the year are also a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the spirit of sharing, the heartfelt impulse to give in generous and loving manner to those around us. We have come together this evening, our arms laden with gifts of food and non-food items for vulnerable families in the Abidjan district. My wish is to enable all these families to experience the magic of the festive season with joy”, Mrs Dominique Ouattara reminded us.
For the First Lady, the end-of-year festivities are marked by magic and enchantment, but also by hope for all. So, for the wife of the Head of State, the illumination of the city of Abidjan goes beyond a simple celebration. For her, these festivities are also an opportunity to celebrate the spirit of unity, peace and joy that prevail in the country. “Tonight, as we admire the twinkling lights that adorn our capital, we’re not just celebrating the end-of-year festivities. We are also celebrating the spirit of unity, peace and joy that prevail in our beautiful country,” declared the First Lady, Mrs Dominique Ouattara. The theme of this year’s celebration of light speaks to us all. “The theme chosen for this year illustrates it well: “For a united and triumphant country”. Each light shining in the Abidjan sky represents the collective strength of our nation, the dreams of each and every one of us coming true, but also the commitment of all those who work every day to make Côte d’Ivoire a land of progress and fulfillment for all,” she declared.
The First Lady also praised the efforts of Minister Ibrahima Cissé Bacongo, Governor of the District of Abidjan, for his remarkable work to promote the city’s development. Finally, she extended her warmest wishes to all Ivorian families, wishing them a joyous and sharing holiday season.
Mr. Cissé Ibrahima Bacongo, Minister-Governor of the Autonomous District of Abidjan, revealed the major innovation of this year’s Abidjan City of Light. This year, all the other regions of the country including the District of Yamoussoukro will be illuminated. The populations of these localities will also be able to enjoy fireworks displays on the night of December 31st. The ceremony, which ended with a fireworks display, featured a number of artistic performances.