A 27-year-old Eyamba E. Etim has emerged as the first winner of Odukpani Got Talent Competition held in Cross River.
According to the organisers, the essence of the programme is to provide a platform for aspiring artists, musicians, dancers, comedians, actors, actresses, and other creatives to shine, while promoting cultural diversity, creativity, and engagement in Odukpani community and its environs.
The initiative was a collaboration of the Chairman, Odukpani Local Government Area and Twins Concepts, an organisation that promotes talent among young Nigerians for empowerment, job creation and self-reliant.
Eyamba E. Etim aka Emisky while narrating his experience in a media chat said, “I was positive, encouraged and consistent during the show in spite of the many contestants. I freed myself and gave my best with my song not knowing I was going to win among the final 35 contestants. It was challenging, but in my life I like facing challenges because sometimes, challenges shape us”.
Again, I saw this competition as an opportunity to prove myself, so I decided to come out and explore. I have been into music and recording for more than 10 years, even though it was not easy facing the crowd when performing at stage. At a moment, I was not myself, because the competition had the first batch, second batch and of course the third batch. After all the huddles and I was announced as winner, tears of joy dropped from my eyes”.
First, I was shattered at that very moment, but after a while, I felt relieved in my life. Becoming a winner after many years of struggle in my life.
As a winner, I was given N2m, but that apart, what I have learnt and gained are more than the amount”.
At this juncture I would appreciate the organisers, and also encourage my fellow contestants to continue being consistent, keep working on yourself, be positive and honest, you will surely get there.
Many Nigerian youths out there need more of this kind of empowerment programmes to move forward. Programmes like this will definitely reduce crime in our society. When young people are engaged with talent discovering and empowerment they will not be distracted.
