20 finalist at the 'Made in Delta Talent Search'
Elizabeth Okagbare, a 62-year-old widow, is among the 20 finalists in the maiden edition of ‘Made in Delta Talent Search’, an initiative of the Delta State Government, The PUNCH reports.
The event tagged ‘Talent is the New Crude‘, is aimed at discovering, nurturing, and promoting talents in the entertainment genres of music, comedy, and drama.
Presenting the finalists on Wednesday in Asaba, the renowned comedian and Senior Special Assistant to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on Talent Development, Akpobome Ogude popularly known as Ogusbaba said over 2,000 persons participate in the various auditions where the 20 finalists emerged.
The ace comedian said the 62-year-old retired primary school teacher and widow was among the five finalists in the acting category, adding that the list also comprises 11 in the music category and four in comedy.
Ogusbaba said the grand finale would hold on July 20 in Asaba where ten of them would be selected for contracts worth N5 million each by the state government.
He said, “This is not a luxury show neither was it designed to reward 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions. Amongst the 20 finalists, 10 would qualify for N5 million worth of contracts by the state government.
“Made In Delta Talent Search is an initiative of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as part of the efforts to diversify the economy of the state. We have been able to tell the world that talent is the new crude,” he added.
Mrs. Okagbare told our correspondent that she was elated to showcase her innate talent, and thanked the state government for the opportunity.
Okagbare said she is naturally gifted in acting but regretted that the combination of lack of opportunities and family pressure suppressed the talent, expressing her determination to make a difference in acting despite her age.