Winners to receive ₦3m each as ARISE Creative Champion 1.0 kicks off in Akwa Ibom
The Akwa Ibom State Government has unveiled an impressive prize package for participants in the inaugural edition of the ARISE Creative Champion Version 1.0, with winners in each category set to receive₦3 million, while runners-up will receive ₦2 million, and third-place finishers will take home ₦1 million.
Speaking during the unveiling ceremony at DUEUA Hotel in Uyo, on Friday, Mr. Emmanuel Owuala, the Governor’s Special Assistant on Creative Talent Development, stated that this initiative is designed to stimulate the state’s entertainment sector through a well-structured talent search across the three senatorial districts.
“From September to December, we will conduct talent scouting exercises in various sectors of entertainment. To qualify, you must be a member of a chapter of the Ibom Entertainment Forum in any Local Government Area,” Owuala explained.
According to him, auditions will be held in six categories: content creation, music, acting, broadcasting and spoken word, dance, and fine art. He said Eighteen contestants will be selected from each senatorial district (three from each category), with eliminations leading to the semi-finals and a grand finale scheduled for the Akwa Ibom Christmas Unplugged Festival in December.
“All contestants who reach the semi-final stage will receive rewards, gain automatic admission to the Entertainment Academy, and secure entry into the Arise Creative Champions 2.0 in 2026. From the 54 contestants, 18 finalists will be selected—the best three from each sector—who will then compete for the ultimate prizes”.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Ethical Reorientation, Dr. Osondu Ahirika, urged aspiring talents to avoid cultism, drugs, and other vices that can derail promising careers.
“Entertainment is a ministry and should be treated as such. Whether you win or lose, pursue your dreams, and you will achieve them,” Ahirika advised.
Support partner Mr. Gabriel Hero of Ibom Creative Academy described the event as a premier platform with global appeal.
“We view every talent as raw material to be refined. We are prepared to collaborate closely with the state government to ensure our talents gain international recognition,” he said.
On his part, the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Entertainment and Team Lead, Mr. David Sergeant, also known as Utang Akwa Ibom, commended Governor Umo Eno for creating an enabling environment for talent discovery and growth.
Entries for participation opened on September 15 and will close on September 30, 2025, with the organisers emphasising that registration is free.
The unveiling ceremony attracted key figures in the state’s entertainment and media sectors, who praised the governor for establishing a structured pathway to nurture and promote homegrown talent.
