OWERRI — I am compelled to speak out over the ongoing controversy surrounding the 2018 Imo Talent Hunt project, as Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha and his supporters continue to lay claim to an initiative that is not theirs.
The talent hunt, tagged “2018 Imo Talent Hunt,” is currently drawing massive attention across Imo State because of the way it is empowering young people and connecting talented youths to opportunities in modelling, music, entertainment, and brand endorsements.
Right now, many Imo residents are taking to social media to praise the former governor for what they believe is a state government-sponsored empowerment project that is transforming the lives of several young people in the state.
But I am making it clear that the project does not belong to the state government. I am the founder of Swat Communication, the company organizing the event, and I reject every attempt to twist the truth.
This initiative is privately conceived and initially funded by me before international sponsors from countries including China, France, and Sweden come on board to support it.
From all indications, more than 100 youths are benefiting directly from the initiative, with at least 38 participants reportedly securing automatic contracts and talent signings in different industries.
It is also clear that 27 beneficiaries are travelling to China to pursue opportunities in modelling and music, while others are securing endorsement deals with private companies and entertainment brands.
The controversy is getting worse as supporters of the governor continue to describe the project as one of the achievements of the Okorocha administration.
I am angry because this is a clear attempt to hijack the success of the project for political gain.
“I have been organizing empowerment programs and talent hunts for years before this event,” I say.
“I decide to seek international sponsors this year, and by God’s grace, sponsors come from different countries. Now, the government wants to claim they sponsor the event. I will not allow the Okorocha government to take undeserved glory.”
I am also calling out the governor’s administration directly because what it represents is corruption, poor governance, and a long record of deception.
“Rochas government is a fraud. He is a thief. What he does is steal the money of Imo people and use it for personal interests. He can not account for many solid projects in the state.
I keep saying it, Rochas is an instrument the Federal Government wants to use to islamize Nigeria. He allowed the Fulani herdsmen to rape and kill our mothers and sisters, destroying our farms. Please, Governor 0Okorocha, focus on insecurity and stop stealing people’s projects.
“I will continue speaking the truth until the day I die.
