By Charles Igwe
Mr Valentine Ozigbo, former PDP gubernatorial candidate and current Labour Party member, has announced the launch of the “VCO Anambra Talent UNLOCKED 2024 – The Students Edition,” a talent and skill showcase for students of Anambra State. This initiative, which aims to unmask and support the creative and intellectual potentials of students in tertiary institutions across Nigeria, stresses Ozigbo’s commitment to youth empowerment and development.
In a passionate address on his social media handle, Ozigbo highlighted the importance of investing in the youth, emphasizing that their potential is the cornerstone of sustainable development. “By unlocking their potential, we don’t just light a spark—we ignite a hope that will illuminate the path to a brighter future,” he said.
Ozigbo’s non-profit, the Valentine Chineto Ozigbo (VCO) Foundation, has been pivotal in providing platforms for youth to showcase their talents. Since the launch of the Amesi Youth Empowerment Programme in 2015, the foundation has implemented various initiatives, including business proposal competitions and talent hunts, which have significantly impacted the lives of over 100 youths.
During the pandemic, the foundation introduced ‘Anambra Talent UNLOCKED’, a virtual competition that showcased the talents of young people in drama, dance, music, and comedy. This initiative highlighted the immense creativity within Nigerian youth and reaffirmed the foundation’s vision of continuous improvement.
The 2024 edition of VCO Anambra Talent UNLOCKED, in partnership with the National Union of Anambra State Students (NUASS), will cover a range of categories, including acting, comedy, singing, dancing, business plan writing, essay writing, and freestyle football. The grand finale is scheduled for June 13, 2024, at the ASUU Secretariat, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
Ozigbo announced substantial rewards for the competition, with over N10 million committed to the initiative. Winners in various performance categories will receive cash prizes, with first place earning N300,000, second place N200,000, third place N100,000, and consolation prizes of N50,000. The Business Plan Competition winners will share a grand prize of N1,000,000.
Applications for the competition officially opened today, and participants are encouraged to showcase their creativity. To enter, students must follow Mr. Valentine Ozigbo and the VCO Foundation on social media, submit a 1-2 minute video on Facebook or Instagram, and tag the VCO Foundation and Mr. Ozigbo. Business plan and essay submissions can be emailed to VCOOrganisation@gmail.com.
The contest is open to Anambra State indigenes studying in any Nigerian tertiary institution, as well as non-indigenes studying in Anambra State institutions. Ozigbo stressed the importance of genuine engagement, noting that the use of bots or fake accounts would result in disqualification.
Valentine Ozigbo concluded his announcement with an exhortation to students to seize this opportunity and strive for excellence. “Let’s embark on this journey together, fostering a community where talent thrives and every young person has the chance to shine brightly,” he said.
For more information on how to participate, students can follow the provided social media handles and stay updated on the upcoming procedures leading to the grand finale.
