The celebrations marking the Centenary of the Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odonto-Stomatology (OPCF) of the University Cheikh Anta Diop (UCAD) of Dakar, which were sponsored by President Félix HouphouëtBoigny took place from December 1 to 7, 2018 The Félix Houphouët-Boigny Foundation for Peace Research (FHB Foundation) took part and was represented by a delegation led by Prof. Jean-Noël LOUCOU, Secretary General of the said institution. It should be noted that the FPMO is the result of the School of Medicine of French West Africa (AOF) created in 1918 where “the Father of the Ivorian Nation” came out major of its promotion in 1925. Effect, the The theme of these festivities was: “from the African School of Medicine to the OPCF”. This centenary coincides with the Houphouët-Boigny Year commemorating the 25th anniversary of the disappearance of the “Sage of Africa”.
The official opening ceremony was held on December 3, 2018 at the UCAD 2 Conference Center and was presided over by the Prime Minister of Senegal, HE Mr. Mahammed Boun Abdallah DIONNE, who was at his side Mrs. Henriette DAGRI DIABATÉ, Grande Chancellor of the National Order of the Republic of Côte d ‘Ivoire, godmother of the said ceremony. Following this opening, “Godfather Day” was held at the OPCF amphitheater and was co-hosted by Professors Jean-Noël LOUCOU and Grah MEL. During this panel, there was the testimony of Mr. Augustin THIAM, Governor of the Yamoussoukro Autonomous District, representing the Houphouët-Boigny family and the screening of a film on Houphouët-Boigny entitled “Faith in peace” .
The FHB Foundation contributed to enrich the photographic exhibition dedicated to the Centenary and held a stand of books on the life of the “founder of modern Ivory Coast”.