Day: February 10, 2024

Abidjan – The Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpé, Abidjan, is set to host a thrilling finale to the 34th African Cup of Nations (CAN 2023) tomorrow, featuring a high-stakes match between the Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire and the Super-Eagles of Nigeria. This much-anticipated final will not only determine the continent’s football champion but also spotlight the fierce competition between two of the tournament’s standout attackers, Victor Osimhen of Nigeria and Sébastien Haller of Côte d’Ivoire.

According to Burkina Information Agency, both teams are gearing up for a contest that promises to be a tactical and strategic battle, with each side aiming to claim victory. Nigeria’s head coach, José Peseiro, emphasized the evenly matched nature of the final, expressing confidence in his team’s ability to clinch their fourth continental title. Despite Osimhen’s modest goal tally in the tournament, his significant impact on Nigeria’s performance has been acknowledged, highlighting his crucial role in the team’s advancement to the final.

On the other side, Côte d’Ivoire’s coach Emerse Faé and star player Sébastien Haller are optimistic about their chances of securing a third CAN title. Faé praised the resilience and strength of his squad, particularly highlighting the significance of Haller’s return from injury to the team’s attacking prowess. Haller himself noted the difference in intensity and stakes between group matches and the final, underlining his team’s readiness for a physically demanding match.

The final is set to be a landmark event for both Osimhen and Haller, as each seeks to win their first CAN trophy, adding a personal milestone to their illustrious careers. The match, scheduled for 8 pm UT (local time), promises to be a memorable clash between two of African football’s powerhouses, with the continent watching closely to see which team will emerge victorious.

OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso – In an effort to enhance safety and health awareness in educational settings, the African Initiative association, in collaboration with Russian cooperation, held a first aid workshop on Friday for the students, parents, and staff of the Sandogo B General Education College (CEG). The workshop aimed at equipping participants with essential emergency relief skills.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the workshop emphasized the importance of mastering basic health care techniques within the school environment. Azenwo Soumaïla Ayo, President of the African Initiative Association, highlighted the critical role that knowledge of emergency first aid plays in addressing potential injuries and ailments among students before professional medical treatment can be obtained. The training session, led by Doctor Dolbnya Dmitri, attracted over fifty attendees, including students, parents, and school administration members, underlining the collective commitment to fostering a safe educational atmosphere.

The workshop in Ouagadougou covered various practical skills, such as cardiac massage and the lateral safety position, alongside the appropriate use of first aid supplies and the importance of promptly contacting emergency services. Furthermore, the training addressed how to respond to specific emergencies like electrocution, drowning, snake bites, and burns, providing comprehensive preparedness for a range of potential incidents.

This initiative not only strengthens the community’s ability to respond to emergencies but also bolsters the relationship between the Burkinabè people and the Russian Federation, showcasing a collaborative approach to health education. Patrick Sourou, the Director of CEG Sandogo B, expressed the significance of such knowledge for those involved in education, acknowledging the critical learning outcomes of the workshop.

Feedback from the workshop participants was overwhelmingly positive, with Rufin Somé, President of the Parents’ Association, expressing gratitude towards the African Initiative for organizing the training. Somé also voiced the desire for the establishment of a medical-school center within the college, further indicating the community’s interest in advancing health and safety measures.

The distribution of first aid equipment to college officials marks another step towards ensuring that the Sandogo B General Education College is better prepared to handle health emergencies, reflecting the broader goals of the African Initiative’s educational and health-related endeavors in Ouagadougou.

ABIDJAN – Gadji Céli, the celebrated former captain of the Ivory Coast Elephants of 1992, made a notable appearance at the Treichville Palace of Culture in Abidjan on Saturday to present the trophy of the 34th edition of the African Cup of Nations (CAN). The event, attended by several football legends and national team captains, took place in the Ivorian economic capital, highlighting a momentous occasion in African football.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Céli, alongside other African football luminaries, showcased the CAN trophy to journalists during a press conference that also served as a platform for reminiscing about the significant moments of his illustrious career. Céli reflected on his journey from playing in Ivory Coast’s first CAN in 1984, where the team was eliminated in the first round, to captaining the team to its first continental trophy victory in 1992.

Céli recounted the early challenges faced by the team, including being booed and stoned by their own fans, and how a speech by then-President Houphouët Boigny inspired them to aspire for future triumphs. He humorously noted the fortunate turn of events in the 1992 final against Ghana, where the suspension of Ghanaian star Abedi Pelé due to yellow cards played to Ivory Coast’s advantage. However, Céli graciously acknowledged that the presence of Pelé might not have altered the outcome, given their strategic preparations for the game.

The press conference was a gathering of about ten African football greats, including Hossam Hassan (current coach of Egypt), Neil Tovey (South Africa), Riadh Bouaziz (Tunisia), Nwankwo Kanu, Lucas Radebe (South Africa), Daniel Amoukachi, Benjamin Moukandjo (Cameroon), and Joseph Yobo (Nigeria). Notably, Roger Milla (Cameroon), who was also in Abidjan for the CAN, could not attend the conference due to unforeseen circumstances.

This event underscores the Confederation of African Football’s tradition of honoring the continent’s football legends by involving them in significant tournaments and ceremonies, such as the CAN and the CAF Awards held previously in Marrakech, Morocco. The inclusion of these stars in the festivities not only celebrates their contributions to the sport but also bridges the gap between past and present generations of African football.

OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso – In an effort to enhance safety and health awareness in educational settings, the African Initiative association, in collaboration with Russian cooperation, held a first aid workshop on Friday for the students, parents, and staff of the Sandogo B General Education College (CEG). The workshop aimed at equipping participants with essential emergency relief skills.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the workshop emphasized the importance of mastering basic health care techniques within the school environment. Azenwo Soumaïla Ayo, President of the African Initiative Association, highlighted the critical role that knowledge of emergency first aid plays in addressing potential injuries and ailments among students before professional medical treatment can be obtained. The training session, led by Doctor Dolbnya Dmitri, attracted over fifty attendees, including students, parents, and school administration members, underlining the collective commitment to fostering a safe educational atmosphere.

The workshop in Ouagadougou covered various practical skills, such as cardiac massage and the lateral safety position, alongside the appropriate use of first aid supplies and the importance of promptly contacting emergency services. Furthermore, the training addressed how to respond to specific emergencies like electrocution, drowning, snake bites, and burns, providing comprehensive preparedness for a range of potential incidents.

This initiative not only strengthens the community’s ability to respond to emergencies but also bolsters the relationship between the Burkinabè people and the Russian Federation, showcasing a collaborative approach to health education. Patrick Sourou, the Director of CEG Sandogo B, expressed the significance of such knowledge for those involved in education, acknowledging the critical learning outcomes of the workshop.

Feedback from the workshop participants was overwhelmingly positive, with Rufin Somé, President of the Parents’ Association, expressing gratitude towards the African Initiative for organizing the training. Somé also voiced the desire for the establishment of a medical-school center within the college, further indicating the community’s interest in advancing health and safety measures.

The distribution of first aid equipment to college officials marks another step towards ensuring that the Sandogo B General Education College is better prepared to handle health emergencies, reflecting the broader goals of the African Initiative’s educational and health-related endeavors in Ouagadougou.

OUAGADOUGOU – In a significant gesture towards bolstering the fight against terrorism in Burkina Faso, the ‘zero drop of blood on the road’ association undertook a cleanup operation at the premises of the Group of Republican Security Companies (GCRS) in Ouagadougou on Saturday. This initiative was part of the association’s commitment to supporting the Defense and Security Forces (FDS) of Burkina Faso, who are actively engaged in reclaiming national territories from terrorist groups.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the president of the ‘zero drop of blood on the road’ association, the cleanup was essential as the FDS personnel are constantly deployed on missions and lack the time to maintain their facilities. The event, which took place in the Wayalghin neighborhood (district 10) of Ouagadougou, saw volunteers from the association and other partnering groups, alongside FDS members, clearing grass and rubbish from the GCRS camp using rakes, machetes, shovels, and wheelbarrows. Koudougou emphasized that the initiative reflects the association’s broader objective of promoting responsible citizenship and safer road traffic practices within the country.

Furthermore, the association announced its plans to distribute 50 helmets, including 25 specifically designed for children, to the widows and orphans of FDS personnel. This gesture is supported by the Helmet Palace, aiming to encourage the beneficiaries to adhere to road safety measures, especially the mandatory wearing of helmets. Henri Kounkorgo, CEO of the Palace of Helmets, expressed his organization’s support for the cause, donating helmets valued at 500 thousand FCFA.

The cleanup day received commendation from the GCRS’s representative in Ouagadougou, Police Captain Placide Dambré, who expressed gratitude towards the association for their efforts in maintaining cleanliness at the camp. The initiative aligns with the government’s efforts to enhance citizen safety against traffic accidents, as highlighted by the chief police commissioner and spokesperson for the beneficiaries, Lamissa Bonko.

Established on June 21, 2020, the ‘zero drop of blood on the road’ association has garnered over 2,000 active members dedicated to fostering responsible citizenship and improving road safety. Prior to the cleanup activity, the association also organized a cross-country running session followed by aerobics for its members and plans to extend similar cleanup operations to other military and gendarmerie barracks in Ouagadougou in the coming March.

PIÉLA, Burkina Faso – On Saturday, February 10, 2024, the ‘Solidarity-Piéla 2023’ initiative provided essential logistical support to the Volunteers for the Defense of the Fatherland (VDP) in Piéla, located in the Gnagna province. The contribution, aimed at bolstering the local defense efforts, included motorcycles, communication tools, food supplies, and fuel.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the donation event was presided over by Aimé César Béogo, the first vice-president of the Special Municipal Delegation of Piéla. The ceremony saw attendance from local authorities, VDP members, and a highly mobilized community, highlighting the collective support for the defense volunteers. The total value of the donated items is estimated at 12.5 million CFA francs, showcasing significant financial support for the VDP’s operations.

The ‘Solidarity-Piéla 2023’ initiative, stemming from the combined efforts of Piéla’s residents, managed to furnish the VDP with 10 Apmotos brand motorcycles, alongside communication devices, nutritional aid, and fuel essential for their operations. Additionally, the event raised over 300,000 CFA francs through voluntary contributions, further supporting the cause.

During the ceremony, Aimé César Béogo lauded the generosity of the donors and appealed for continued support for both the Defense and Security Forces (FDS) and the VDP, emphasizing their crucial role in reclaiming national territories. Adama Lankoandé, representing the donors, expressed satisfaction with the community’s reception of their contributions. He reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to supporting the FDS and VDP in their fight against terrorism, buoyed by the anticipation of support from the nation’s leading authorities for the resettlement of displaced populations.

This initiative not only strengthens the logistical capabilities of Piéla’s defense volunteers but also underscores the community’s solidarity in facing security challenges, demonstrating a collective resolve to support national defense efforts against terrorism.