Ganzourgou High Commissioner Leads Patriotic Ceremony in ZorghoKadiogo Province Revives Sporting and Cultural Activities After 15-Year Hiatus

ZORGHO – The High Commissioner of Ganzourgou, Mrs. Aminata Sorgho/Gouba, oversaw the solemn ceremony of raising the national colors on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, in Zorgho. This event, part of a rotating initiative to perform the ceremony across various administrative services, took place at the provincial directorate of agriculture, animal, and fisheries resources.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the ceremony gathered directors, heads of provincial services, and agents from the directorate, marking the first Tuesday of the month with a display of national pride. The provincial director of agriculture extended thanks to Mrs. Sorgho/Gouba for selecting his department for this significant event and presented an overview of his management’s work to the attendees.

Mrs. Sorgho/Gouba commended the directorate’s efforts in acquiring a mast and flag for the occasion and lauded the extensive mobilization of officials and agents. Highlighting their dedication to national symbols, she emphasized the importance of belonging to a strong nation. In her address, Mrs. Sorgho/Gouba called for continued mobilization to defend the homeland and maintain the integrity of the national territory. She praised the initiative of the solemn color raising across various provincial directorates and noted the progress in instilling patriotic fervor.

Furthermore, Mrs. Sorgho/Gouba discussed expanding the practice to schools and municipalities to further cultivate patriotic spirit among the population, a suggestion met with enthusiastic approval. She advocated for sacrifice and commitment to the nation’s honor, insisting on the invaluable nature of such endeavors. The next ceremony is planned for the first Tuesday in March, set to take place in a different department.

The event in Zorgho showcased the collective commitment of local authorities and citizens to their country, underlining their readiness to uphold and defend national values and integrity with pride and dedication.

KOMSILGA — The Provincial Directorate of National Education in Kadiogo has officially resumed its sporting and cultural activities in Komsilga on February 7, 2024, following a 15-year suspension. The relaunch marks a significant move by the new provincial Director of National Education, Literacy, and the Promotion of National Languages of Kadiogo, Alexandre Yaméogo, to emphasize the importance of sport and culture in the holistic development and socialization of children.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the initiative to restart these activities was one of his first actions upon assuming office in September 2023. He convened discussions with his team to deliberate on the revival of the programs that had been dormant since 2008 in the province. The consultations quickly led to the reinitiation of these vital activities, with the gathering taking place in the commune of Komsilga for the ceremonial relaunch.

The event was graced by the presence of Adjarata Sawadogo, the Regional Director of National Education, Literacy, and the Promotion of National Languages, along with various administrative and traditional authorities. The ceremony featured a parade of basic education districts, ballets, recitals, artistic performances, speeches, and a gala match, all under the theme: “Sport and culture in primary schools in times of war: the expression of resilient youth.”

Yaméogo stressed that the ongoing security crisis should not impede the socialization and integration of students, advocating for the nurturing of a strong, united, and resilient nation from a young age. He underscored the importance of living together and promoting individual and collective cultures as means to demonstrate the country’s unity and indomitability to adversaries.

The Provincial Director called on children to exhibit discipline, love for others, fair play, and to adhere to instructions over the next three months to foster cultural exchange and unity. El Hadj Boukary Ilboudo, the first vice-president of the special Komsilga delegation, expressed gratitude for selecting his commune as the venue for this provincial event and assured his community’s dedication to supporting education and the newly relaunched activities.

The gala match featured teams from Komsilga B and Goby, culminating in a thrilling draw after a late equalizer from Goby, challenging Komsilga’s early second-half lead. Yaméogo hailed the event as a triumphant return and lauded the organizing committee for their successful execution of the opening ceremony.

Augustin Sakandé, representing the partners, highlighted the potential he observed in the participating children, suggesting that with a bit of guidance, their talents could be further developed. He encouraged parents to allow their children to engage in these activities, citing evidence that participants often achieve better academic outcomes.