When words transform destiny: A look back at Ramissou Boni's triumph at the "Voices of Tomorrow" final
- MY BARIKA
- Apr 3
- 2 min read
Cotonou, February 27, 2026. A date that will remain etched in the annals of the NGO MY BARIKA and in the hearts of hundreds of young Beninese. In the electric atmosphere of the Benin Excellence hall in Godomey, silence fell, giving way to the power of words.
After months of fierce competition, it was finally BONI Ramissou , from CEG Kandi (Alibori), who was crowned National Champion of the first edition of the eloquence competition "The Voices of Tomorrow".
A final marked by excellence
They were more than 160 candidates at the start, representing all 12 departments of Benin. Only 10 finalists had the privilege of taking to the stage for the grand finale. Before a jury of experts and an audience composed of educational authorities and prestigious partners such as the Vallet Foundation and CAEB , these young leaders proved that the "New Generation" is ready to take flight.
Ramissou Boni: The meteoric rise of the lioness of Alibori
Ramissou Boni's journey is the very definition of resilience and hard work. Ranked 15th during the pre-selection phase with a score of 81.5/100, nothing foreshadowed such dominance in the final.
Yet, once on stage, Ramissou transcended the statistics. With perfect diction, expressive gestures, and a powerful conviction that moved the audience, she reminded everyone that eloquence is not just the art of speaking well, but the art of making truths resonate. Her victory sends a powerful message: regardless of where you come from or your starting position, it is audacity and preparation that forge champions.
"The voice convinces, but emotion and gestures make it compelling: they transform a speech into an impact." - MY BARIKA Organizing Committee.
Mouphtaou Yarou's vision: From the court to the podium
For Mouphtaou Yarou , the founding president of MY BARIKA, this success is the culmination of a deep conviction. A former professional basketball player who attended the prestigious Villanova University (USA), he has brought the rigor of high-level sports into education.
“I learned at Villanova that talent is not enough without work discipline. Today, with 'Voices of Tomorrow', we offer young people the most powerful weapon in the world: the ability to structure their thinking and to convince,” he says proudly.
More than a competition, a springboard for life
Ramissou isn't just leaving with the title of "Voice of the Year 2026" . Thanks to the support of our partners, she's also receiving a complete package for her future:
The prestigious trophy and a gold medal.
A state-of-the-art educational tablet.
A collection of classic and African works.
An intensive coaching program in public speaking.
Thank you to our partners
This event would not have been possible without the institutional support of the Ministry of Secondary, Technical and Vocational Education , and the logistical support of Benin Excellence . Together, we are building a Benin where every child, from Kandi to Cotonou, has the right to dream and the power to express themselves.
And you, are you ready to make your voice heard? See you for the 2nd edition!
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