Niego:The deserving teachers and students of the years 2025 and 2026 were rewarded at the Niego departmental high school during the joint celebration of the 5th and 6th editions of the Ioba Provincial Day of Excellence.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the fifth edition, originally planned for 2025, could not be held due to various difficulties. As a result, organizers decided to combine the two editions in 2026, awarding prizes to winners from both years.

The promoter of the ceremony, Professor Mwinome Herve Hien, represented by Dr. Paulin Somda, stated that the event is organized to celebrate the genius, effort, and resilience of the provincial education system by rewarding the combined sessions of 2025 and 2026. Dr. Somda expressed concerns about students abandoning school for gold mining sites and rural exodus, which jeopardize the academic legacy of the Djôrô region.

The first president of the Court of Auditors, Latin Poda, who sponsored the ceremony along with Me Olivier Some, highlighted the significance of education in combating terrorism in Burkina Faso. He emphasized that education fosters critical thinking and provides young people with a means to build a better future.

Innocents Ouattara, the High Commissioner of the Ioba province, commended the initiative and encouraged the award winners to serve as role models, promoting healthy competition and a culture of excellence. The prefect, president of the special delegation of Niego, also thanked participants and organizers, urging winners to continue their pursuit of excellence.

The event included a musical performance by a local artist and the presentation of mountain bikes and school supplies to winning students. Top teachers from the 2025 and 2026 primary school leaving certificate examinations received 100,000 francs and a selection of novels and school supplies. The seventh edition of the Ioba Provincial Day of Excellence is scheduled for 2027 in the commune of Ouessa.