Essien Ndueso Backs Arise Creative Champions, Hails Governor Umo Eno’s Drive to Build a Creative Economy

Essien Ndueso Backs Arise Creative Champions, Hails Governor Umo Eno’s Drive to Build a Creative Economy

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Dr. Essien Ekefre Ndueso, has thrown his weight behind Arise Creative Champions, describing the initiative as “a bold step toward unlocking the untapped creative potential of Akwa Ibom youths.”

Speaking in his office in Uyo on Tuesday, Ndueso praised the Arise Creative Champions project as a forward-thinking intervention that aligns perfectly with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, particularly its focus on youth empowerment, innovation, and sustainable job creation.

He commended the Special Assistant to the Governor on Creative Talent Development, Emmanuel Owuala, for championing the cause and for implementing the Governor’s creative industry blueprint through a structured and impactful platform.

“The creative industry is no longer a side hustle—it’s a global economic powerhouse,” Ndueso said. “Governor Umo Eno understands this reality and is deliberately creating pathways for our young people to build careers, not just applause.”

Arise Creative Champions is a state-wide talent discovery competition designed to identify, nurture, and empower emerging stars across six major categories of the creative sector — Music, Acting, Dancing, Spoken Word, Comedy, and Fine Arts.

The competition will hold district-wide auditions culminating in a grand finale at the Christmas Village, Uyo, this December. The schedule is as follows:

Eket Senatorial District: October 21, 2025 – Eden Hotels, Eket (10 a.m.)

Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District: October 28, 2025 – LGA Council Hall, Ikot Ekpene (10 a.m.)

Uyo Senatorial District: November 4, 2025 – Emerald Event Center, Uyo (10 a.m.)

Semi-Finals: November 18, 2025 – Emerald Event Center, Uyo (10 a.m.)

Grand Finale: December 2025 – Christmas Village, Uyo

Winners in each category will take home ₦3 million, while ₦2 million and ₦1 million will be awarded to the first and second runners-up respectively.

Ndueso emphasized that the initiative is more than a competition — it is “a movement to rebrand Akwa Ibom as a creative capital of Nigeria and a model for youth-driven development.”

Powered by the Creative Talent Development Desk of the Akwa Ibom State Government, Arise Creative Champions continues to gain wide endorsements across the state as it prepares to spotlight the next generation of Akwa Ibom’s creative icons.

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