27 Cultural Leaders Honored During National Culture Week in Bobo-Dioulasso

BOBO-DIOULASSO — In a ceremony held on the sidelines of the 21st National Culture Week (SNC), the Ministry of Communication, Culture, Arts, and Tourism awarded honors to 27 distinguished cultural actors on Friday, May 3, 2024.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the annual National Culture Week consistently recognizes cultural figures and partners for their contributions, and this year’s event was no exception. The recipients included one individual recognized as an officer in the Order of the Stallion and 26 awarded in the Order of Merit for Arts, Letters, and Communication. These awards were presented during the closing ceremonies of the SNC 2024 in Bobo-Dioulasso.

Among the notable recipients were Honoré Bambara, promoter of Miss Universities, who was knighted in the Order of Merit for Arts, Letters, and Communication, and Cheick Tidiane Seck from Mali, the artistic sponsor of this year’s SNC, who was also knighted for his contributions to music and dance. Business leaders Lassiné Diawara and Al Hassane Siénou, former sponsors of the 19th and 20th SNC respectively, were made Knights of the Order of Merit.

Additionally, the Minister of Culture from Niger, Colonel-Major Abdourahamane Amadou, received the rank of Officer in the Order of the Stallion, reflecting the deep cultural ties and cooperative spirit between Burkina Faso and Niger within the Alliance of Sahel States.

Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo highlighted that these honors are a testament to the hard work and dedication of those who actively support and promote the nation’s cultural heritage, aligning with the state’s efforts. He emphasized the importance of these awards as both a recognition of past contributions and a call to continued commitment and exemplary conduct in promoting cultural values.

Al Hassane Siénou, speaking on behalf of the recipients, underlined the role of economic actors in supporting and leveraging culture as a catalyst for growth and innovation. He reiterated the honorees’ dedication to enhancing the cultural sector as a driving force for the country’s progress and influence.