Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire - The UN International Day of Families was commemorated on May 16 in the City Hall of Plateau, Abidjan, with the theme “Balance between Work and Family.” More than 230 people from all areas of Abidjan and from all ranks of society joined to celebrate family values.
The ceremony was an occasion to introduce the UN International Day of Families to the audience, who listened seriously the presentation made by Mr. Eugene Ahondjo, Secretary General of UPF-Cote d’Ivoire. Then Professor Likane Gabriel, former Secretary General of UPF-Cote d'Ivoire, came on stage to explain about “The Family as the School of Love and Peace.” The lecture captivated the attention of the audience, bringing people to applaud from time to time during his speech.
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After the lecture, couples who have been married more than 25 years were called to the stage to receive “Peace Family Awards.” Seven couples were honored. Three couples were married more than 30 years, including Rev. Zagadou Akeble and his wife, who have been married for 37 years. Rev. Zagadou is the leader of Celestial Church of Christ in Cote d’Ivoire, a church of more than 500,000 members. Two months ago UPF-Cote d'Ivoire started a family education program with one of his assistants, who was happy to see Rev. Zagadou appointed an Ambassador for Peace.
Then 53 people, both men and women, were appointed Ambassadors for Peace: a former Minister of the Family, Members of Parliament, medical doctors, religious leaders, journalists, managers of educational institutions, army officers, bank managers, NGO leaders, and entrepreneurs. Each one of them came with their guests, who constituted the majority of the audience.
To conclude, the new Ambassadors for Peace were informed about training sessions on peacebuilding and family values.
The refreshments and snacks gave an opportunity for participants to mingle socially and discuss the topic. People were greeting, talking, and exchanging phone numbers. Participants were eager to talk with the lecturers and get their contact informan.
The national TV station sent a cameraman to report about the event.
To read more about UPF observances of the International Day of Families 2012, click here.