The Abia State Government has officially launched a bold and unprecedented initiative aimed at discovering and empowering the next generation of creative innovators across the state.

Tagged the Abia State Creatives Talent Hunt Initiative, the programme is jointly championed by the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, under the visionary leadership of Governor Dr. Alex C. Otti, OFR.

Designed to spotlight and support raw, homegrown talent, the initiative is open to Abia youths between the ages of 18 and 35 who are producing outstanding physical creations across various categories.

Unlike many talent shows, this programme deliberately excludes performing arts, focusing instead on tangible works that can be seen, touched, and used.

The categories include:

  • Visual Arts & Crafts
  • Waste-to-Art / Upcycled Creations
  • Heritage Crafts and Cultural Artifacts
  • Tourism-centered Creative Products
  • Digital Innovations with Physical Outputs
  • Functional Creations that Solve Everyday Problems

“This is not just another event but a cultural and creative revolution,” said a representative from the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy. “We’re going LGA by LGA, zone by zone, to find the best of Abia’s creators. We want to celebrate and elevate what our young people are making with their minds and hands.”

How It Works

Stage 1: Online Application
Interested creatives are to submit their portfolios online. Submissions will be reviewed and shortlisted from all 17 Local Government Areas in Abia State.

Stage 2: Zonal and State Showcase
Selected participants will present their works in zonal showcases, culminating in a state-level exhibition where the most exceptional talents will be spotlighted.

Stage 3: Final Awards
The Top 10 finalists will receive:

Cash Prizes

Publicity and Media Coverage

Exclusive Mentorship Opportunities

Key Dates;

Application Opens: July 25, 2025

Deadline for Submission: August 18, 2025

Interested applicants can apply via the official portal:
👉 https://abiastate.gov.ng/ministryofartscultureandcreativeeconomy/talent-hunt/

For further inquiries, contact: 0707 575 8074

This initiative aligns with Governor Otti’s broader commitment to empowering Abia’s youth and building a dynamic creative economy that transforms talent into sustainable enterprise.

As the campaign slogan declares:
“Abia, this is YOUR moment. The creative wave is no longer coming—it’s HERE. Show up. Stand out. Shock the world.”