Leo: The official closing ceremony for the first batch of compulsory patriotic immersion high school graduates took place on Tuesday in Leo, Sissili province. This initiative is designed to enhance civic, patriotic, and social cohesion among young individuals.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the event, held at the Place de la Nation in Leo, featured several speeches. Pastor Andre Adouabou, representing traditional and religious authorities, offered blessings to the participating youth, encouraging unity and lasting peace for the nation. Pastor Adouabou implored divine protection for the young people and the government.
Kassoum Koalaga, President of the special delegation of Leo, expressed his appreciation for the commitment of the young participants, highlighting the significance of the patriotic exercise. He praised the successful execution of the activity in his commune and remarked, "Leo is now a part of your history just as you are a part of ours."
Serge Lawabien Toe, the provincial director of secondary education, vocational and technical training, acknowledged the success of the pilot edition of the 2025 patriotic immersion. He commended all involved, particularly Dr. Abdou Aboubacary, district chief physician of Leo, for the health measures during the program. He advised the young participants to make their immersion experience a lifelong commitment, stating, "Burkina Faso is watching you, hoping for you and waiting for you."
The representative of the immersed individuals thanked His Excellency, Captain Ibrahim Traore, President of Faso, for the initiative, and the supervisors for their support. He spoke of the enriching experience and ended with a reading of the charter of the patriotic immersed people, committing each participant to values of integrity, hard work, and patriotism.
Participants like Abdou Rachid Deta Diasso and Salifatou Nadie shared their sentiments, emphasizing the familial bonds formed and the values learned during the immersion.
The ceremony featured an artistic performance by Leo's Tampani troupe, celebrating local culture through dance and song. A poignant slam by Aboubacar Niangao paid tribute to the fighting forces and highlighted the nation's hope in its youth.
Tewende Isaac Sia, High Commissioner of Sissili, delivered closing remarks, stressing the program's role in strengthening young people's ties to national institutions and encouraging them to be active in development and peacekeeping. He stated, "You are the pioneers of a program that will shape the future of our nation."
Sayouba Zorome, his counterpart from Ziro, also expressed satisfaction with the success of the first edition and optimism for future iterations.
Despite the pouring rain, the ceremony concluded with a symbolic presentation of certificates and a parade of the various cohorts, demonstrating determination and pride.
This patriotic immersion concluded successfully, enhancing the sense of belonging and resilience among the youth of Sissili and Ziro. A total of 1102 high school graduates from the 2025 session, including 327 from Ziro and 2 from the diaspora, participated in this inaugural edition.