From Ifeoma Ejiofor
The Labour Party (LP) goverborship hopeful in the 2025 Anambra State guber polls, Mr Valentine Ozigbo has reiterated his commitment to the youths.
The governorship aspirant made this assertion at ASUU Secretariat, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, during the 2024 Valentine Chineto Ozigbo (VCO) Talent Unlocked for Students in Anambra State.
The VCO Anambra Talent Unlocked 2024, was designed to discover, inspire, and project the stars of tomorrow on a grand platform. The edition was a competitive platform to showcase talent and skills in various creative and art forms, including acting, comedy, singing, dancing, business plan writing, essay writing, and freestyle football.
In his address at the occasion, the founder of the VCO Foundation, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo, expressed excitement about students’ dedication and struggle for excellence.
The epoch-making event witnessed multitudes of students from various institutions in Anambra State who converged to cheer the amazingly talented contestants who battled it out on stage.
NUASS Chapter leaders from COOU (Uli & Igbariam), Federal Polytechnic Oko, College of Education Nsugbe, Anambra State Polytechnic Mgbakwu, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Awka & Nnewi), University of Calabar, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Federal University Otueke Bayelsa, Abia State University, Federal Polytechnic Uwana and other states were in attendance, as well as SUG Presidents from Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Awka & Nnewi), NOCEN Nsugbe, Federal Polytechnic Oko.
The outstanding students in different categories went home with mouth watering prizes.
ACTING
Winner: Ugochukwu Nwinya
Prize: ₦300,000
First Runner-Up: Ezeude Mmesoma Jennifer
Prize: ₦200,000
Second Runner-Up: Ebebe Anastasia
Prize: ₦100,000
Consolation Prizes:
Echendu Nancy
Asika Chidiebere
Prize: ₦50,000
DANCING
Winner: Diamond and Fumnanya
Prize: ₦300,000
First Runner-Up: Ralph Diamond (Raphael Chinemelum)
Prize: ₦300,000
Second Runner-Up Jessica Nwaefulu Chinenye
Prize: ₦100,000
Consolation Prizes:
Ejike Immaculata Mmasichukwu
Chibueze Iwunze
Prize: ₦50,000
COMEDY
Winner: Abah Emmanuel Tersoo (emmajindatboy)
Prize: ₦300,000
First Runner-Up: Ifeanyichukwu Ezefunamba P’Prince
Prize: ₦200,000
Second Runner-Up Okoye Chinonso Joseph (itoko_isu)
Prize: ₦100,000
Consolation Prizes:
Iloamaka Chinonso Stanley
Prize: ₦50,000
FREESTYLE FOOTBALL
Winner: Prince Chiemerie Okereke
Prize: ₦300,000
First Runner-Up: Okafor Ijeoma Evelyn
Prize: ₦200,000
Second Runner-Up: Nzekwe Augustus Tochukwu
Prize: ₦100,000
Consolation Prizes:
Arinze Chidera Glorious ₦50,000
SINGING
Winner: Azotani Prince ₦300,000
First Runner-Up: Robert Agboanike
Prize: ₦200,000
Second Runner-Up: John Berchman
Prize: ₦100,000
Consolation Prizes:
Anazodo Onyinye
Prize: ₦50,000
ESSAY WRITING
Winner: Chukwuemeka Emmanuel Onyedika
Prize: ₦300,000
First Runner-Up: Obidimma Chinaecherem MaryJane
Prize: ₦200,000
Second Runner-Up
NAME: Senator Nancy Chiemerie
Prize: ₦100,000
Consolation Prizes: Umeh Adaeze
Price: ₦50,000
Egwunatum Ebube Ebenezer
Prize: ₦50,000
BUSINESS PLAN
Afigwe Chinonye Blessing
Adesayo Treasure Erioluwa
In addition, Agor Mmesoma Cynthia, who requested a chance to perform as a singer was gifted by several guests after a beautiful rendition. Their pledges amounted to ₦300,000.
A defining moment of the event was the award of “Political Icon Of Thr Year” presented to the founder of VCO Foundation, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo, in recognition of his outstanding contributions towards the growth and development of the State.
Ozigbo, in his closing remark, expressed happiness for the wonderful performance of the contestants.
He said: “All in all, the energy was amazing, the contestants were fantastic and the event was a blast!
“I’d also like to thank our judges who had the difficult job of scrutinizing the talents
Our judges, Paschal Osubor, Esther Oyekwe, Ezeakabudu Blessed Chibuzo (Blessedchild), and Amb. Hon. Kingland Justin Ezeani were spectacular and delivered their judgments in record time with attention to every criterion and details.
“Finally I would like to appreciate everyone who pushed for the success of this event, from the NUASS team to the VCO Foundation team, our hosts, DJ, and the rest of the crew, you are all the real MVPs.
“Lets do this again great Anambra students,” the philanthropist ended his remark.
Dignitaries at the event include Dr. Tony Offiah (Akajiugo), Hon. Henry Nigeria Mbachu, ASHA member representing Awka south 1 constituency; Sir. Izuchukwu Oraelosi, Manager VCO Foundation; Prof. Kingsley Ubaoji (ASUU Chairman UNIZIK); Dr. Mirian Alike
Notable political leaders present at the event include Hon. Barr Jude Umennajiego (Labour Party caucus leader and member Representing Onitsha South 2 constituency); Hon. Obum Isaac Okpala
(Labour Party Candidate Aguata 1 constituency); Hon. Chibuzor Udekigbo
(Labour Party candidate Ihiala 1 constituency); Hon. Uchenna Okafor
(Omeluora); Hon. Ebele Ejiofor (Former House Member and Labour Party stalwart); Hon. Afam Okpalauzuegbu, Hon. Ferdinand Onwuje
(Labour Party candidate Awka North Constituency).
VCO Foundation Members/Associates present Include Hon. Ebele Ejiofor (Mandela Anaocha); Comr. Anueyiagu Charles Obiorah, Hon. Kingsley Udemezue, Amb. Hon. Kingland Justin Ezeani, Comr. C.C. Emereonwu, Hon. Paul Chuks, Comr. Agbanu Chibuike, Comr. Chris Mmaju and others.