Koudougou: The closing ceremony of the inaugural edition of the compulsory patriotic immersion program took place at the Place de la Nation in Koudougou, under the patronage of Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo. The event was attended by government officials, regional administrative authorities, defense and security forces, as well as traditional and religious leaders, and the families of the participants.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Prime Minister Ouedraogo commenced his address by requesting a standing ovation for the graduates, whom he referred to as "comrades called up from the first class of the IPO." He congratulated them on their successful admission to the 2025 baccalaureate session and emphasized the directive from Head of State Captain Ibrahim Traore to remember that sovereignty is non-negotiable and must be acquired.
The Prime Minister urged these pioneers of patriotic immersion to embrace President Traore's vision of a free and prosperous society, highlighting their responsibility in the progressive popular revolution. He encouraged them to pursue knowledge while maintaining a strong civic duty and patriotism.
Prime Minister Ouedraogo also paid tribute, on behalf of President Traore, to the program's supervisors for their contributions to the initiative's success. Minister of Secondary Education and Vocational Training, Aboubakar Savadogo, highlighted that 59,175 high school graduates, including 30,664 girls, participated in the "Compulsory Patriotic Immersion" program.
The speakers at the event, including the traditional chief of Dapoya and the governor of the Nando region, Adama Jean Yves Bere, hailed the program as a presidential initiative for quality education in Burkina Faso, aiming to restore the country's integrity and sovereignty.
Reine Marguerite Bangre, representing the pioneers, presented the "Charter for social cohesion" which is part of the compulsory patriotic immersion 2025. The ceremony concluded with a parade of sections representing different immersion sites, celebrating the participants' experiences.
The event showcased practical demonstrations of self-defense techniques learned during the program. The Nando region, with a total of 6,484 participants, celebrated the successful completion of the patriotic immersion, marking a significant milestone in their educational and civic journey.