Tenkodogo: The Minister of Mines and Quarries, Yacouba Zabre Gouba, presided over the closing ceremony of a patriotic immersion program for 52 employees of the National Precious Substances Company (SONASP) and the Ministry of Mines this Saturday, February 28, 2026, in Po. He urged the employees to be ambassadors of civic responsibility, integrity, tolerance, selfless service, and resilience.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the ceremony was attended by the Director General of SONASP, Commander Sougrinoma Basile Zongo, and several guests. Having arrived on February 22, 2026, 52 agents from the Ministry of Mines and the National Society of Precious Substances (SONASP) completed an intensive week-long patriotic immersion program on February 28, 2026.
During this time, these state agents traded their suits for fatigues, thus immersing themselves in the realities of barracks life in order to strengthen team spirit, resilience and above all to instill a renewed patriotism at the heart of strategic sectors such as the Ministry of Mines.
According to the course director, Captain Seibou Traore, several modules have been developed to instill civic and patriotic values in order to strengthen the sense of national belonging. "This exercise, far from being a simple military discipline, aims to cultivate core values including integrity in the management of mineral resources, a sense of sacrifice and public service, all within a framework of social cohesion among colleagues and towards the nation," stated Captain Traore.
The Minister of Mines and Quarries, Yacouba Zabre Gouba, stressed that this initiative is an essential lever for transforming the public administration into a true engine of national sovereignty. Addressing the newly arrived recruits, the minister reminded them that they are now on a mission: to be sources of inspiration in their families, neighborhoods, and departments. "Be ambassadors of civic responsibility, integrity, tolerance, selfless service, and resilience," the department head emphasized.
It is with a fresh perspective and a "commando" commitment that these agents will return to their offices with their certificate in hand, ready to serve Burkina Faso with exemplary rigor. It should be noted that the National Commando Training Centre (CNEC) in Po had already received a first wave of 54 trainees.