Abia Talent Hunt: Otti Unveils Plan to Empower Youths Through Creativity

Governor Alex Otti has declared that arts, culture, and innovation will define Abia’s future. Find out why he believes creativity is the state’s new economic engine.

… Governor assures Abia youths of sustained empowerment through creativity and innovation at Abia Talent Hunt grand finale

In a powerful declaration of his administration’s vision for youth-driven development, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has stated that arts, culture, and innovation remain the critical pillars for Abia’s future prosperity.

Speaking at the grand finale of the Abia Talent Hunt tagged “Abia Beyond Creativity,” held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Secretariat, Umuahia, the Governor—represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu—said his administration is committed to discovering and nurturing raw talents across the state as a key strategy for youth empowerment and economic transformation.

Governor Otti described the initiative as one of the flagship programs of his government, designed to discover, empower, and showcase the creative abilities of Abia youths, positioning them to compete globally.

“We are creating an enabling environment where Abia youths can dream big, innovate, and build sustainable livelihoods that will transform our economy,” the Governor said.

He noted that arts, culture, and innovation are not just entertainment tools but strategic drivers of economic growth and social transformation. According to him, the state’s future rests on the creativity, intellect, and resilience of its young people.

In his address, Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Dr. Mathew Ekwuribe, described the event as a celebration of possibilities, a testament to vision, and a manifestation of creativity. He said the talent hunt offered government a rare opportunity to identify gifted young Abians whose ideas and creativity can “light up the world.”

Dr. Ekwuribe praised Governor Otti as a visionary leader and passionate believer in the creative power of Abia youth, reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to ensuring that the talents discovered through the program are developed and projected beyond the state.

“This initiative is a direct reflection of the Governor’s belief that creative arts can drive development, empowerment, and economic transformation,” he stated.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Nwaobilor Ananaba, said the event was not merely an exhibition of skills but the birth of new possibilities for the participating youths. He emphasized that Governor Otti’s administration is fully committed to nurturing talent, promoting innovation, and creating lasting platforms for young people to thrive.

“This government is not just watching; it is building a future where youth creativity and innovation are the foundation of our economic success,” Ananaba said.

In his remarks, the overall winner, Mr. Kelechi Kelvin, expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for giving Abia youths a lifetime platform to express themselves and pledged to continue refining his craft.

The event climaxed with the presentation of cash prizes — ₦2 million to the overall winner, ₦1.5 million to the second runner-up, and ₦1 million to the third — alongside consolation prizes to other participants. The cheques were presented by Prof. Kenneth Kalu, who represented the Governor.

The Abia Talent Hunt, organized by the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, is part of the administration’s broader agenda to integrate creative enterprise into the state’s development blueprint.