Rio 2016: Brazil’s CASA da Africa to partner NOC for Team Nigeria
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A Brazil- based hospitality project CASA da Africa geared towards catering for Nigeria and all the 54 participating African countries at the 2016 Olympic Games through a partnership with the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa was yesterday presented to the Minister for Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung in his office.
Speaking through its Chief Exeutive Officer, Joao Gilberto Vaz alongside executives of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, the proposal, if approved, will see Nigeria participating with other African Countries in business and trade opportunities with Brazil.
According to him, the project was to create an environment for business and trade for all African countries coming to Rio for the Olympic Games through direct investment which has received the blessing of the Brazilian government.
“The main focus behind this is the new face of the Brazilian agenda in Africa. The first week of the CASA da Africa at the games in Rio will focus on Agriculture Cooperation while the second week will feature Trade and Tourism followed by Technology and Machinery. We are fully supported by the Brazilian government”.
In his own words, the President of the Nigeria Olympic Federation Engineer Habu Gumel, said the visit was essential as Nigeria intensify preparation for the Olympics.
“His visit to Nigeria is very important to us as we are preparing for the Olympics. Although we have our own Nigeria House Project, Nigeria will still love to participate in CASA da Africa which is like the African House in Rio. All African countries will be there to showcase their own country based on the agreement reached”.
In his response, the Minister, described CASA da Africa’s visit as timely and thanked them for opening an opportunity of a relationship where Nigeria will showcase its values, culture and tradition as he promised to look at the proposal passionately.