Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has praised his wife, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, for establishing the Rising Gems Talent Discovery Show, an initiative designed to discover, promote and empower gifted young people across the state.
The governor gave the commendation on Friday, October 16, 2026, during the grand finale of the competition held at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia. The programme was organised through the Safe Tent Care Initiative, the humanitarian project founded by the wife of the governor.
Governor Otti described the talent discovery show as a valuable platform for identifying exceptional abilities among young people and creating opportunities for them to develop their potential. He observed that the competition had revealed the remarkable talents present in communities across Abia State, many of which might otherwise have remained undiscovered.
According to the governor, the success of the maiden edition has laid a strong foundation for an even more impactful programme in the coming year.
He commended his wife for conceiving and supporting the initiative, while also appreciating the judges, organisers and other individuals who contributed to the successful execution of the event.
Governor Otti further acknowledged the presence of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), expressing appreciation for the organisation’s willingness to sustain its partnership with the Abia State Government in areas of mutual interest.
Governor Otti Announces ₦500,000 for Every Non-Winning Participant
One of the major highlights of the event was Governor Otti’s announcement that no participant would leave the venue without receiving a financial reward.
Congratulating the winners and encouraging those who did not secure the top positions, the governor disclosed that each participant who had not received a monetary prize would be given at least ₦500,000.
He explained that the additional reward was intended to ensure that every young person who participated in the competition benefited from the opportunity.
The governor also expressed surprise at the volume of talent uncovered through the programme, noting that the initiative had given him a greater appreciation of the creative potential of young people living in rural communities.
His announcement reinforced the administration’s stated commitment to encouraging youth development, creativity and opportunities for young people to pursue productive careers.
Priscilla Otti Highlights Youth Empowerment and Humanitarian Support
In her address, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti explained that she established the Safe Tent Care Initiative in May 2025 to provide practical assistance to underserved women, girls, children and other vulnerable members of society.
She said the Rising Gems Talent Discovery Show was designed to give young people a platform to demonstrate their abilities while supporting the broader objective of improving the lives of disadvantaged individuals and families.
The governor’s wife emphasised that talent alone was not enough to guarantee success, urging participants to develop good character alongside their gifts.
She encouraged the young competitors to remain disciplined, committed to learning and consistent in practising their crafts.
Mrs. Otti also highlighted the importance of vocational training, technological skills and entrepreneurship as practical pathways to economic independence.
She maintained that equipping individuals with the skills needed to earn a living would improve their dignity, expand their choices and help them achieve sustainable self-reliance.
She called for greater collective support for vulnerable people and sustained investment in youth empowerment, noting that talent development and humanitarian assistance could work together to create meaningful social impact.
Mrs. Otti also appreciated Governor Otti for supporting an environment where creativity, enterprise and opportunities could flourish across the state.
Chairman Commends Safe Tent Care Initiative
The chairman of the occasion, Chief James Ume, praised the Safe Tent Care Initiative for creating a platform through which talented young Abians could be identified, encouraged and developed.
He described the Rising Gems Talent Discovery Show as a commendable intervention that could help young people build confidence, showcase their abilities and pursue their ambitions.
Chief Ume also applauded Governor Otti for fostering an environment that encourages youth expression and commended Mrs. Otti for organising the competition.
He subsequently pledged that his foundation would partner with the Safe Tent Care Initiative to support its activities and objectives.
UNICEF Reaffirms Partnership with Abia Government
In a goodwill message, UNICEF Nigeria’s Communication Officer, Dr. Ijeoma Onuoha-Ogwe, commended the Abia State Government for its attention to youth development and the welfare of vulnerable groups.
She praised the administration’s efforts across various sectors, particularly health and nutrition, and reaffirmed UNICEF’s readiness to continue collaborating with the state government.
Her remarks highlighted the importance of partnerships between government institutions and development organisations in expanding opportunities for children, young people and disadvantaged communities.
Winners Receive ₦5 Million, ₦2 Million and ₦1 Million
The competition’s grand finale featured a variety of performances and talent displays, with participants demonstrating their abilities before the judges and audience.
Malachy Gideon Okorie emerged as the overall winner, receiving ₦5 million. Miss Rachael Godswill finished as the first runner-up and received ₦2 million, while Miss Jane Kingsley Otta placed third and received ₦1 million.
Speaking after the competition, the three leading contestants expressed gratitude to Governor Otti and his wife for providing the platform to showcase their talents.
They said the financial rewards would help them advance their music careers and improve their prospects in the entertainment industry. They also offered prayers for the governor and his family.
Beyond the cash prizes awarded to the leading contestants, the governor’s announcement of a minimum ₦500,000 for participants who did not receive monetary awards extended the initiative’s benefits to a wider group of aspiring talents.
Dignitaries Attend Rising Gems Grand Finale
The event attracted several prominent personalities, including members of the National Assembly and Abia State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council and the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
The successful conclusion of the Rising Gems Talent Discovery Show marked another milestone for the Safe Tent Care Initiative in its efforts to combine humanitarian support with opportunities for youth development.
With plans for a potentially improved future edition, the programme has positioned itself as a platform for discovering young talent, encouraging creative enterprise and helping aspiring performers take practical steps towards their ambitions.
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The announcement that every participant would receive financial support further underscored the event’s emphasis on inclusion, encouragement and the development of young people’s potential across Abia State.
By Ukoha Njoku Ukoha
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State
October 16, 2026
