Abuja: The commune of Coalla experienced a moment of great civic significance on Saturday with the first edition of the Patriotic Commitment Awards ceremony, an initiative intended to recognize and celebrate the women and men who, through their dedication, loyalty and high sense of duty, contribute to local development and the influence of the Nation.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the ceremony was placed under the patronage of the High Commissioner of the province of Gnagna, represented by the comrade secretary general of the province, Mendien dit Moussa Soma. It brought together administrative, military, and paramilitary authorities, laureates, as well as the sons and daughters of Coalla, who came in large numbers to show their gratitude to the builders of their community.
In his speech, the comrade prefect, president of the Special Communal Delegation of Coalla, and president of the organizing committee, Abdourazac Gansor©, indicated that this distinction constitutes above all a tribute to those "whose commitment and patriotism have made the commune of Coalla shine." He stressed that, despite a difficult municipal context marked by numerous challenges, the recipients were able to place the general interest and the higher interest of the Nation above personal considerations, thus contributing to the strengthening of trust between the State and the people.
Addressing the award recipients, Comrade Gansor© invited them to consider this distinction as a symbol of recognition from an entire community, but also as a call to continue their commitment in order to inspire other citizens. "Patriotism is measured by actions, not words," he said, praising their humility, spirit of sacrifice, and constant commitment to serving the common good.
In total, 32 Patriotic Commitment Awards were presented to public service employees, associations, and several other actors who contributed to the development of the municipality and the continuity of public service. Among them, 23 agents received a trophy accompanied by an envelope containing 50,000 CFA francs each, while nine others were distinguished with certificates of recognition.
Speaking on behalf of the recipients, the comrade head of the Basic Education District (CEB) of Coalla, Andr© Lankoand©, expressed the deep gratitude of all the laureates to the Special Communal Delegation as well as to the entire community of Coalla for this mark of confidence and recognition. He affirmed that this distinction provides further motivation to serve with even greater dedication, integrity, and patriotism, while encouraging everyone to continue their efforts for the development of the community and Burkina Faso.
The success of this inaugural event was made possible thanks to the strong mobilization of the sons and daughters of Coalla, as well as the support of the sponsors, businessmen Amidou Yarga, residing in Niger, and Yaya Salougou. The ceremony was also attended by Brigadier General Isma«l Kiswendsida Souampa Diaouari, Chief of Staff to the President of Burkina Faso.
Speaking on behalf of the sponsors, Brigadier General Larba Diawari praised the initiative as "noble and inspiring," recognizing merit, rewarding excellence, and fostering a sense of duty. He congratulated all the beneficiaries for their exemplary commitment before reaffirming the sponsors' willingness to support any civic action aimed at promoting social cohesion, local development, and patriotic values.
Representing the patron of the ceremony, the comrade secretary general of the province of Gnagna, Mendien dit Moussa Soma, congratulated the initiators for this initiative which contributes to strengthening the culture of recognition, excellence, and merit in service to the community. For him, celebrating exemplary citizens also means inspiring vocations, strengthening civic-mindedness, and consolidating collective commitment to the harmonious development of communities.
Through this ceremony, the municipality of Coalla intends to make the recognition of merit a powerful lever for citizen mobilization, convinced that local development is built above all thanks to the women and men who choose, every day, to serve their community with dedication, integrity, and patriotism.