Delta govt rewards 10 talented youth with N5m contract each

The Delta state government has disclosed that it would reward 10 top talented youth in the “made in Delta search” with N5 million contract award each for “uncommon display of talent.”

The senior special assistant to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on talent hunt, Mr. Ogus Baba, who made the disclosure while presenting the 20 shortlisted talented youth in Asaba, said the talent hunt was the new crop of talented Deltans.

“The Made in Delta talent search is the initiative of Governor Okowa as part of the effort to diversify the economy of the state. We have been able to tell the world that talent is the new crude,” he said.

He said the search in drama, comedy, and music was designed in 2015 to enhance the human capital development of the state.

According to him, of the 2,000 applicants, 170 were audited while only 20, including a 62-year-old woman, Mrs. Elizabeth Okapka, made the final list.

“These 20 bright stars are the future of African talent hunt. Each of the ten selected will be due for a N5 million contract award for exemplary display of talent. Legendaries in music, drama and comedy are expected to watch their performance as they make the state proud.”

He added that on July 20, this month, 10, out of the 20 stars, comprising 11 promising musicians, five dramatists and four comedians, would be selected as Made in Delta Ambassadors.

“This is not a luxury show nor was it designed to reward 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions. Amongst the 20 finalists, 10 would be qualified for N5 million worth of contract by the state government.”