ABIA – Governor Alex Otti, says his administration will continue to identify and develop Abia’s raw talents and creative skills as key drivers of youth empowerment and economic transformation of the state.
Governor Otti who made the declaration
at the grand finale of the Abia Talent Hunt tagged; “Abia Beyond Creativity” organized by the state ministry of Arts Culture and creative economy in collaboration with the ministry of Sports and Youth Development at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Secretariat, Umuahia, assured that his administration will continue to create the right atmosphere where Abia youths would aspire and compete at the global stage.
Governor Otti represented by the Secretary to the state Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, equally described the initiative as one of the flagship programs of his administration, designed to discover, empower, and showcase the rich creative potential of Abia youths.
The Governor while emphasizing that his administration places great value on youth creativity, noted that arts, culture, and innovation are critical pillars for Abia future economic prosperity.
He encouraged participants to believe in their abilities and to see themselves as vital contributors to the transformation agenda of the new Abia.
In his address, the Commissioner for Arts Culture and Creative Economy, Mr Mathew Ekwuribe, while describing the event as a celebration of possibilities, a testament of vision and a manifestation of creativity, noted that the event has provided government the opportunity to fish out young men and women whose creativity can light up a city with limitless imagination.
He said that the initiative stands as a testament of Governor Alex Otti’s bold vision that sees creative arts as a powerful drive of development, empowerment and economic transformation.
While describing Governor Alex Otti as a visionary leader, performer and a passionate believer in the potentials of Abia youth, Mr Ekwuribe assured the contestants that the ministry is committed to working with them to ensure their talents find expression and their voices heard beyond Abia state.
“This is more than a talent hunt, It is a movement, a movement that dares to say that our young people are not just dreamers, but leaders, innovators, and creators of tomorrow’s Abia”
“This initiative stands as a testament of His Excellency’s bold vision, a vision that sees arts, culture, and creative economy not as entertainment, but as a powerful drive of development, empowerment, and economic transformation”.
“To our contestants, you are the real stars of today. You have inspired us with your talents, your stories, and your talents are excellent” Hon. Ekwuribe stated.
Also Speaking, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Chief Nwaobilor Ananaba, while noting that the event is not all about exhibition of skills, but the birth of possibilities within men and women who have gone through rigorous mentorship and discipline.
He emphasized that the government of Dr Alex Otti is fully committed to nurturing talent, promoting innovation and creating platforms for the younger generation to thrive with their God given potentials.
In his remarks on behalf of other contestants, the overall winner, Mr Kelechi Kelvin, thanked the administration of Governor Alex Otti for providing them the life time opportunity to showcase their talents and promised to keep developing their gifts and talents.
Highlights of the event was the presentation of 2 million naira, One and a half million naira and One million naira cheques each to the first, second and third runner ups in the talent hunt and other monetary consolation prizes to other participants by the state government presented by the representative of the Governor, Professor Kenneth Kalu in company of other government officials and dignitaries.
