Ouagadougou: The Ministry in charge of Trade and Handicrafts, headed by Serge Gnaniodem Poda, announced a significant contribution of 5 million CFA francs to the 'My Brick for Sankara' campaign during the 10th ceremony honoring Thomas Sankara and his twelve companions. The announcement, made in Ouagadougou, emphasized the call for all Burkinabe to support the campaign.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the minister presided over the tribute ceremony, reiterating Burkina Faso's commitment to remembering the heroes of the Revolution under the leadership of Captain Ibrahim Traor©, President of Faso. The ceremony served as a platform to reaffirm the nation's dedication to the ideals of patriotism, integrity, social justice, and sovereignty embodied by Thomas Sankara and his companions.
The economic legacy of the National Revolutionary Council (CNR) was highlighted by the minister, who noted its continued relevance. Key initiatives like the first Investment Code for endogenous development, local processing of raw materials, and the Ouagadougou International Arts and Crafts Fair (SIAO) were cited as vital components of Sankara's vision for national economic growth.
The minister underscored the importance of local consumption, a concept championed by Thomas Sankara long before it gained traction across Africa. Initiatives such as Faso Dan Fani were highlighted as symbols of economic sovereignty and national production promotion.
Serge Gnaniodem Poda linked the current progressive revolution led by Captain Ibrahim Traor© to Sankara's vision, focusing on state reformation and national sovereignty. He urged support for the "My Brick for Sankara" campaign, contributing 5 million CFA francs from his ministry to the construction of the memorial.
Pingdwend© Gilbert Ou©draogo, the Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism, detailed the Thomas Sankara Memorial development project. He noted that the mausoleum, set for inauguration in May 2025, is just a fraction of the overall project.
Since opening to visitors on May 19, 2025, the site has recorded over 180,000 visitors, generating revenue exceeding 115 million CFA francs. Future plans include constructing an 87-meter Thomas Sankara tower, a monumental statue, a library, an amphitheater, and more, with the project's total cost estimated at approximately 117 billion CFA francs.
The project invites both public and private investments, with a call for Burkinabe economic operators to participate in public-private partnerships. The aim is to make the Thomas Sankara Memorial the most visited tourist site in Africa.
Authorities renewed their appeal to citizens and friends of Burkina Faso to contribute to the "My Brick for Sankara" initiative, emphasizing the importance of national resource mobilization for the memorial's realization.