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Malachy Gideon Wins ‘The Rising Gem” Talent Show, Takes Home ₦5m
Malachy Gideon Wins ‘The Rising Gem” Talent Show, Takes Home ₦5m
Twenty-five-year-old Malachy Chinemerem Gideon has emerged winner of The Rising Gem”, a talent discovery show organised by the Safe Tent Care Initiative (STCI), founded by Abia State First Lady, Mrs Priscilla Otti.
Gideon clinched the ₦5 million grand prize at the finale, held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, beating 12 other contestants to emerge winner.
Rachel Godswill, 21, emerged as the second runner-up, winning ₦2 million, while Jane Kingsley Ota, 22, finished third runner-up and received ₦1 million.
Speaking at the event, Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, said all contestants deserved recognition for participating, adding that those who did not win the announced prizes would receive ₦500,000 each, to ensure that nobody left the competition empty-handed.
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The Governor commended the First Lady for initiating the programme she praised her courage, commitment and determination in bringing the initiative to fruition.
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He said the competition had exceeded his expectations and demonstrated the depth of talent in communities across the state.
“Quite frankly, if she (First Lady) didn’t come up with this kind of initiative, I wouldn’t know that we have this kind of talents in the villages”, Governor Otti said.
The Governor expressed optimism that subsequent editions would be bigger and better, given the success of the maiden event and the support it had attracted.
He acknowledged the contributions of individuals and organisations to the event, particularly the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), which he described as a longstanding partner of the state.
Governor Otti disclosed that the First Lady remains open to additional donations, stressing that more resources were needed to support the initiative and ensure its sustainability.
He thanked the contestants, judges, organisers and other contributors for making the event a success and expressed confidence that the programme would continue to discover and nurture talents across Abia
In her speech, the Wife of the Governor, Mrs Priscilla Otti,recalled that she established her pet project, Safe Tent Care Initiative in May 2025 to provide meaningful assistance to people in various needs.
Mrs Otti noted that the initiative aligns with her commitment to improving the lives of underserved women, girls, children and other vulnerable persons through practical interventions.
The first lady, explained that the event was brought together to provide young people with opportunities to showcase their talents and mobilising support for vulnerable families.
She highlighted the importance of combining talent promotion with humanitarian service, and urged the participants to blend talent discovery with character.
The Abia first lady used the occasion to call for increased support for the vulnerable people in the society and youth empowerment through skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and talent development.
Mrs Otti also acknowledged the support of the Governor for his encouragement and commitment in creating an environment where enterprise, creativity and opportunities can flourish, and encouraged the participants to remain committed to learning and consistent practice.
Earlier, Chairman of the occasion, Chief James Umeh, commended the Safe Tent Care Initiative for providing a platform to identify, nurture and promote young talents across Abia State and assured that his foundation would identify with it.
Chief Umeh, described the Rising Gems Talent Discovery Show as a laudable initiative that offers young people opportunities to showcase their abilities, build confidence and pursue their dreams.
He thanked Governor Otti for creating the enabling environment for youths to express themselves and lauded the Governor’s wife for organising the event.
The grand finale of the Rising Gems Talent Discovery Show featured musical performances by renowned gospel artistes, including Buchi, Preye Odede, Joe Praize and Minister Arinola Ajagba.
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