By Gbeuli Guero
As the Africa Cup of Nations kicks off, we celebrate not only our players and our soccer, but also the richness and diversity of our continent.
Sport, and soccer in particular, has the wonderful ability to inspire us to surpass ourselves, to be the best we can be and to think collectively. What wonderful lessons to export beyond the football stadiums!
Let’s show the world, our young people and ourselves that despite the challenges, victory is still possible! Any obstacle can be overcome with perseverance, hard work and determination.
This message resonates particularly with Côte d’Ivoire, the host country for this year’s event. Through its history and its people, Côte d’Ivoire embodies resilience, perseverance and the ability to change. We have overcome hardship, evolved and continue to build a better future. By working for peace, reconciliation and cooperation, we are strengthening the foundations of a more united, prosperous and supportive society.
Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities, differences into assets, and build a future where everyone can thrive. By helping Côte d’Ivoire to host this major event, we are reaffirming our commitment to peace, progress and solidarity. It is a call for unity, creativity and innovation, because together we will build a brighter future for our nation and for generations to come.
In these few days, when Côte d’Ivoire will welcome thousands of supporters of the competing teams, let’s take this opportunity to get to know each other better, to discuss our common challenges, to share our solutions and our expertise, so that together we can build a stronger Africa.
May the Africa Cup of Nations be an opportunity to celebrate diversity, promote peace and unity, and demonstrate to the world the strength and resilience of the Ivorian people. Let us work hand in hand to build a future where everyone can realize their aspirations in a climate of peace, tolerance and prosperity.
And may the best win! May Africa win!
*Gbeuli Guero is an Ivorian-Canadian entrepreneur…
