The Académie des Sotigui Awards unveiled new steles on Avenue Kwamé N'Krumah in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, to honor 100 personalities from Burkina Faso and internationally. This second edition of Rue des Étoiles recognizes individuals for their achievements, commitments, and contributions in various fields, including arts, culture, sports, and leadership. The initiative aims to value skills, talents, and engagements that stand out in different domains.
The honored personalities come from various sectors, including arts and culture, gender, citizenship, economic growth, pan-African leadership, sports, and traditional knowledge. Notable figures include chef Dozo Yacouba Drabo, known as Le Bonck, Professor Pr. Serge Théophile Balima in the field of science and technology, and late Yacouba Traoré. Sports personalities such as Kassoum Ouédraogo, Georges Weah, Charles Kaboré, Rahim Ouédraogo, and Abedi Ayew, also known as Abedi Pelé, were immortalized.
Chef Dozo Yacouba Drabo, honored in the traditional knowledge category, expressed his happiness for the recognition, which he believes is also an acknowledgment of the work of all Dozos. He emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage and values inherited from ancestors, stressing that transmission of this heritage relies on efforts made by previous generations to safeguard traditions and cultures.
Professor Ilaihola Sabin Lazare Dandjinou, distinguished in the "Book and Writing" category, expressed satisfaction and gratitude to those who contributed to his literary career. He believes this recognition is a culmination of his work and a significant responsibility to be a model for younger generations in terms of excellence, production, and quality.
The event also honored 12 traditional chiefs as part of the galaxy of the Conseil supérieur de la chefferie coutumière et traditionnelle. Maurice Konaté, president of the Délégation spéciale de la commune de Ouagadougou, welcomed the second edition of Rue des Étoiles, highlighting its significance as a space for memory, recognition, and symbolic heritage for present and future generations.
Dr. Dramane Konaté, representing the minister of Communication, Culture, Arts, and Tourism, praised the initiative for immortalizing personalities who have marked their community and era. He emphasized the patrimonial significance of the project, which is meant to transcend generations. The steles are equipped with QR codes allowing visitors to access the paths of the honored personalities.
The Académie des Sotigui aims to continue promoting women and men who distinguish themselves through their commitment, path, and achievements. This second edition of Rue des Étoiles is a testament to the academy's efforts to value and recognize exceptional individuals. The event celebrated the contributions of these personalities, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
Key points
- The second edition of Rue des Étoiles honored 100 personalities from various fields.
- The initiative aims to value skills, talents, and engagements that stand out in different domains.
- The steles are equipped with QR codes allowing visitors to access the paths of the honored personalities.
