25-Year-Old Gideon Wins Abia First Lady’s Rising Gems Talent Hunt, Gets ₦5m

As Gov. Otti Gifts ₦500k To All Finalists

UMUAHIA — Malachy Chinemerem Gideon, 25, has won the maiden edition of “The Rising Gem” talent discovery show organised by Safe Tent Care Initiative, the pet project of Abia State First Lady, Mrs Priscilla Otti.

Gideon beat 12 other finalists to clinch the ₦5 million star prize at the grand finale held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia.

Rachel Godswill, 21, came second winning ₦2 million, while Jane Kingsley Ota, 22, took third position with ₦1 million prize.

Governor Alex Otti who was present at the event announced N500,000 consolation prize for each of the remaining 10 contestants, saying no participant should leave empty-handed.

Otti commended the First Lady for conceiving the initiative, saying it had exposed abundant talents hidden in communities across the state.

“Quite frankly, if she didn’t come up with this kind of initiative, I wouldn’t know that we have this kind of talent in the villages,” the Governor said.

He said the success of the maiden edition had set the stage for bigger and better editions, while acknowledging support of partners, especially UNICEF, which he described as a longstanding partner of the state.

The Governor added that the First Lady’s office remains open to further donations to sustain and expand the initiative.

Earlier, Mrs Otti said she founded Safe Tent Care Initiative in May 2025 to support underserved women, girls, children and other vulnerable groups.

She said the talent show was designed to give young people a platform to showcase their abilities while mobilising support for vulnerable families, stressing the need to combine talent with character.

She called for more support for youth empowerment through skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and talent development, and thanked the Governor for creating an enabling environment for creativity and enterprise to thrive.

Chairman of the occasion, Chief James Umeh, described the show as laudable and pledged support of his foundation to the initiative.

He commended Mrs Otti for providing a platform for young people to build confidence and pursue their dreams and thanked Governor Otti for encouraging youth expression.

The finale featured performances by gospel artistes including Buchi, Preye Odede, Joe Praize and Minister Arinola Ajagba.