First Lady Dominique Ouattara offered foodstuffs worth130 million FCFA to the Christian community, on Thursday March 21, 2024, at her Cabinet in Cocody.

The official ceremony took place in the presence of eminent political, administrative and religious figures. The supplies include 3,500 bags of rice, 500 cartons of sugar packets, 3,000 sachets of pasta, 1,400 cartons of oil cans, 1,000 cartons of tomato paste, 300 cartons of milk cans and 100 cartons of pea cans.

This noble initiative aims to enable working clas household to celebrate Easter 2024. Indeed, these provisions will come to the aid of those in need, offering a glimmer of hope and comfort during this period of celebration.

Since she is out of the country, Mrs Dominique Ouattara was represented at the ceremony by her advisor, Mrs Chantal Poaty. The ceremony was presided over by Mrs Myss Belmonde Dogo, Minister of National Cohesion, Solidarity and Poverty Reduction.

Mrs Myss Belmonde Dogo, Minister for National Cohesion, Solidarity and Poverty Reduction, thanked the First Lady for these donations, which have now become a tradition. For her, the First Lady's gifts come as no surprise. Indeed, every year, on the eve of Easter celebration, the wife of the Head of State shows her solidarity with the Christian community. Mrs Belmonde Dogo also recalled that this solidarity drive is clearly a strong bridge for social cohesion. She concluded by expressing her admiration for the First Lady.

Mrs Chantal Poaty, advisor to the First Lady, reminded us of the special nature of these donations, which come in the middle of the month of Lent. For her, this month is a time for sharing and solidarity. Mrs Dominique Ouattara's gift is therefore a sign of her solidarity towards the Christian community.

 Mr. Bako Jean Fructueux, representing the Minister of the Interior and Security, thanked the First Lady for showing solidarity. He highlighted that this gift from the wife of the Head of State is a reminder that solidarity and sharing are religious values that every Ivorian must cultivate in order to live together.

Reverend Father Eric Norbert Abekan, Vicar Apostolic, representing of the Ivorian  Conference of Catholic Bishops and spokesman for the beneficiaries, thanked the First Lady for the gifts.