Ouagadougou: The first provincial director of sports, youth and employment of Ganzourgou, Seydou Bruno Ouedraogo, installed on April 14, 2026, promised an exercise based on dedication and listening to all stakeholders.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the new director, Seydou Bruno Ouedraogo, a youth and continuing education advisor, previously held the position of provincial director in charge of youth in Ganzourgou. Appointed by the Council of Ministers at its meeting on March 19, 2026, he thus becomes the head of this new directorate, created as part of the administrative reform, which also assumes responsibility for sports and employment.
In his speech, the new director expressed his gratitude to the authorities. "This appointment represents a greater demand for rigor and results for the benefit of youth and the sporting community," he stated. He paid tribute to his predecessor in charge of sports and recreation for the work accomplished in the province.
Mr. Ouedraogo emphasized the scope of the reform. According to him, the merging of sport, youth and employment reflects "the will of the public authorities to inject an integrated dynamic in service of development".
He pledged to perform his duties with dedication, attentiveness, and a results-oriented approach. He also called for a collective commitment, because for him, the solutions to the challenges could not be the work of a single individual.
Outgoing director Emmanuel Zongo reviewed his tenure. After ten months at the helm of the provincial directorate of sports and recreation, he thanked the administrative authorities, those involved in the education system, sports organizations, and the public. He also apologized to anyone he may have offended and reassured those who felt they had wronged him that he had been forgiven.
"It is time for me to pass the torch," he said, welcoming the appointment of his successor on March 19, 2026.
Speaking at the event, the regional director of sports, youth, and employment for Oubri, Peg-wende Appolline Marie Rolande Balkouma, commended the outgoing director for his work and offered advice to the new director. "It's when you're up against the wall that you recognize a true mason," she declared. She urged the new director to become personally involved in his duties. "Roll up your sleeves. You'll have to put on your sneakers and get out there. Get out there to bring young people together, get out there to help young people find jobs," she emphasized. She also called for promoting health through sports and facilitating professional integration.
Valentin Badolo, the PDS representative, for his part, praised the outgoing director's work. He highlighted the challenges related to the new provincial directorate, the result of a merger between two previous directorates. "It is no longer the same entity," he emphasized.
He invited the new director to collaborate with his predecessor and to rely on the staff of the two former structures. He also urged provincial stakeholders to support the new director in the success of his mission.