Ouagadougou: The president of the Academie des Sotigui, Kevin Moné, on Monday invited partners and goodwill to support the 'Rue des Etoiles' project which aims to breathe new life into the avenue Kwamé Nkrumah, by the erection of stelae of the daughters and sons of Burkina Faso who have distinguished themselves brilliantly in their fields of expertise, sometimes anonymously. Interview. Burkina Faso Information Agency (AIB): How was the idea for the Rue des Etoiles project born? Kevin Moné (KM) : The history of our country, originally Upper Volta which became Burkina Faso, is very exciting thanks to the action of the men and women who ensured its heritage and continuity. Always in this dynamic of recognition and valorization of people from whom we can and must draw inspiration because of their combativeness, their integrity, the immensity of their talent and their prowess, the SOTIGUI Academy has designed a project called LA RUE DES ETOILES. We are delighted to present a groundbreaking initiative that will transform Kwamé Nkrumah Avenue into an iconic location, an avenue that was once scarred by terrorist attacks. Likewise, many Burkinabè have remained and remain anonymous despite the greatness and even uniqueness of their prowess, of their enormous contribution to the development of Burkina Faso, Africa and the entire world whatever the sector. The Avenue of Dr Kwamé Nkrumah will house the Rue des Étoiles. It offers the opportunity to highlight these talents, recognize their hard work and celebrate them through the erection of steles on this avenue. AIB: What are the objectives of Rue des Étoiles? KM: The objectives of Rue des Étoiles are: - the resuscitation of the famous Kwamé N'KRUMAH avenue, plunged into a comatic torpor since the terrorist attacks it recorded; - the tourist and economic impact; - the beautification of the avenue; - the historical benefit of the project which will recall and immortalize emblematic figures who have marked our country or the African continent; - the promotion of the duty of memory through the tribute paid to those who deserve it through their achievements, their excellence in a field of activity, their exemplarity in the life of the community. AIB: For this edition, how many stars did you select and on what criteria? KM: It is important to note that a scientific committee, under the aegis of the Ministry of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism, has been set up. It was to this committee that the heavy task of designating the first vintage of Rue des Étoiles 2024 fell, which amounts to 140 personalities. The scientific committee is chaired by Dr Dramane KONATE, technical advisor to the Minister of State, Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism. The specific criteria are established as follows: - have distinguished themselves through proven skills, exceptional techniques or unprecedented creativity in a field of excellence; - having accomplished a feat in the military and combat field which is the pride of the country; - have developed an exceptional d esire and ability to transmit knowledge and know-how for the benefit of generations; - have performed a salutary act or accomplished a noble mission for the benefit of the Burkinabè, African community and the diaspora. AIB: Who are the different stakeholders in the project? KM: Rue des Étoiles on Avenue KWAME N'KRUMAH is placed under the patronage of Mr. Jean Emmanuel OUEDRAOGO, Minister of State, Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism. We also benefit from the support of Mr. Mikaïlou SIDIBE, Minister of Urban Planning, Land Affairs and Housing, and Mr. Maurice KONATE, President of the special delegation of the commune of Ouagadougou. AIB: Are you collaborating with other partners to realize this project which aims to promote excellence? KM: For the moment, we mainly benefit from the support of institutional and technical partners. This is the case for the ministry in charge of culture which firmly supports this project whose cultural content is indisputable. The same goes for the ministry in charge of town planning and that in charge of territorial administration. The Special Delegation of the Municipality of Ouagadougou also stands by our side, ready to support us to the extent of its capabilities. But for the moment there is a lack of financial partners who will take up the cause of the project and commit to providing resources for its realization. This is why we appeal to the patriotic enthusiasm of any national partner who can contribute to the realization of this magnificent project, the interest of which no longer needs to be demonstrated. We therefore invite all those of good will to get involved as patrons or sponsors, so that, drawing on our endogenous resources, we give substance to this project which is a treasure. AIB: How do you plan to encourage people to support this project and how to keep the flame going? KM: The main part of our action to encourage people to support this project, on the one hand, and to keep the flame going, on the other hand, will be based on communication . The permanent communication that the Sotigui Academy is already working on, through all available media. But the local communication that will be carried out by all the parents, friends and loved ones of all those who have been selected to appear on the steles of the Rue des Étoiles. Other actions could also be undertaken in collaboration with certain relevant actors on the ground, to encourage and organize guided tours on Rue des Étoiles. The main partners of such an enterprise are the general directorate of tourism and the association of tourist guides of Burkina; schools and universities; cultural associations; etc Source: Burkina Information Agency
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