Idoma Talent Hunt: Five finalists emerge from Abuja audition

Five contestants have emerged as finalists from the Abuja audition of the Idoma Talent Hunt (ITH), a flagship youth empowerment initiative organised as part of activities marking the Idoma Centenary Plus Celebration.

The competition, launched to commemorate more than 100 years since the creation of the Idoma Division, is designed to discover, nurture and showcase exceptional talents from across Idoma land and the diaspora.

The Abuja auditions, held on Friday, July 10, and Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Merit House, produced five finalists who impressed the judges, which included Owie Abutu, Naomi Oboyi and others, with their outstanding performances.

The successful contestants are David Samson, Moses Ben, Agaba Helen, Adah Godwin and Wura Mercy.

The nationwide audition tour will continue in Lagos on Saturday, August 8, and Sunday, August 9, 2026, before concluding in Otukpo on Friday, August 21, and Saturday, August 22, 2026.

Contestants selected from the three audition centres will compete at the grand finale scheduled for December 26, 2026, where winners will battle for one of the most attractive prize packages offered by any talent discovery initiative in the region.

According to the organisers, the overall winner will receive a brand-new car, a professional management deal and collaboration opportunities aimed at launching a successful career in the creative industry.

The first runner-up will receive a cash prize of ₦2.5 million, while the second runner-up will go home with ₦1.5 million.

The organisers said the competition is open to talented young people with exceptional abilities in music, dance, drama, comedy, spoken word, instrumental performance and other creative disciplines.

Beyond the cash prizes, participants will have the opportunity to perform before accomplished professionals, producers, talent scouts, investors and other stakeholders in the creative industry.

The exposure, they noted, will provide mentorship, professional guidance, strategic networking opportunities and the visibility required to transform promising talents into sustainable careers.

Speaking with journalists at the audition venue, the Director-General of the Idoma Centenary Plus Celebration, Arc. Ene Ijegwa Adaji, described the talent hunt as an investment in the future of the Idoma nation.

“The Idoma Talent Hunt is more than a competition. It is a strategic investment in the future of our people. We are creating a platform to identify, nurture and showcase exceptional young talents while opening doors that can transform lives and strengthen the creative economy of Idoma land,” she said. 

Also speaking, Chairman of the Youths and Innovation Committee, Engr. Emmanuel Adakole Otene, said the initiative was designed to give talented young people the exposure and opportunities needed to succeed in the creative industry.

“We want our young people to believe that their talents can become careers. Beyond the prizes, participants will meet producers, talent scouts, investors and other industry stakeholders who can mentor them and help them build sustainable careers,” Otene said.

He urged talented youths across Idoma land and the diaspora not to miss the remaining auditions in Lagos and Otukpo, assuring contestants of a transparent and credible selection process.