The African Public Relations Association (APRA) has sent a goodwill message to the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Mr. Issa Hayatou on the occasion of the 28th Edition of the Africa Cup of Nations.The secretary-general of the continental body for the practice of professional public relations in the message says the association proudly shares the ideals of AFCON which include: promoting interaction and unity among Africans, showcasing the best of African talents, developing infrastructure and promoting tourism in Africa.
The Message which was dated 18th January, 2012 and made available to BrandCrunch explains that the events that culminated into CAF started 1956 in Lisbon, Portugal when a few visionaries came together to birth the vehicle for Africa’s integration into global football, the Confederation of African Football (CAF). “This was quickly followed in 1957 by the hosting of the first edition of All Africa football tournament in Khartoum in which only three countries namely Egypt, Ethiopia and host country Sudan featured”.
Fifty Five years later with sixteen nations, the whole of Africa and indeed the world wait with palpable excitement, for the commencement of the 28th edition of the African Cup of Nations Finals (AFCON) holding between Saturday January 21 and Sunday February 12, 2012. This edition is jointly hosted by Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.
According to Yomi Badejo-Okudsanya, Secretary-general, APRA, AFCON has no doubt put Africa indelibly on the global map. “Sports, especially the game of football, can no longer be referred to as mere entertainment and vocation as its compound values in many respects far outweigh that of most traditional businesses. Its positive impact on the socio-economy and politics of many African nations cannot be over-emphasized”.
Badejo-Okusanya, who is also the CEO, of CMC Connect, a PR outfit in Lagos also noted that great African brand icons and indeed role models for African youths have emerged through AFCON attracting global brands such as Coca Cola, Samsung, Nike, Pepsi etc. Unarguably some of the highest paid footballers on the globe are Africans, he enthuses.
For this and other positive developments in African soccer, APRA salutes Mr. Issa Hayatou, President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), other members of his Governing Council and the host nations of the 28th edition of AFCON. The PR body also extends its good wishes to numerous officials and administrators, the sponsors, the media, the millions of fans across the continent and indeed the entire people of Africa on the occasion of Africa’s biggest soccer fiesta. While also welcoming those visiting Africa, APRA says “Let this beautiful game begin, on this beautiful continent!”{jcomments on}
Facebook Comments
