Baskadia

AWKA, Nigeria — ASUU Secretariat, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, was a scene of festive spirit and exultation on Friday, June 21, 2024, as it hosted the 2024 Valentine Chineto Ozigbo (VCO) Talent Unlocked for Students in Anambra State.

The concluded edition of "VCO Anambra Talent Unlocked 2024 - The Students Edition" was a huge success. It 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 well-attended event, 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 competition was tough and after showing their skills, the following students emerged victorious:

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, a brave student by the name 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 THE 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.