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Winner of Bayelsa Karaoke Singing Competition Season 4, Samson Itonyo STARR) (4th from left) flanked by initiator of the event, Mr. Joseph Emarada (3rd from right) and others
Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has explained why his government would continue to invest in the entertainment industry, saying it is to boost tourism and engage the youth meaningfully.
Diri stated this on Monday while speaking at the grand finale of the Bayelsa Karaoke Singing Competition Season 4 at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, in Yenagoa, with the theme ‘Challenge for Prosperity.’
The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Tourism Development, John Allah, said government would sustain the programme, which was a deliberate effort to empower the young ones, reduce social vices and discover talents in music.
Initiator and visionary of the Bayelsa Karaoke Singing Competition, Mr Joseph Emarada, who is the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Entertainment, said the eight-week singing competition platform was to develop music talents and build their skills for a great future.
Emarada, also known as MC Okpeke, appreciated Governor Diri for funding the project and approving the sum of N1 million prize and a one-year recording contract for the overall winner this year, Samson Itonyo of Igbedi community in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area.
Itonyo, who is also known by the stage name ‘STARR,’ expressed appreciation to the organisers for creating such a platform for the young ones to showcase their musical talents.
Other winners are the runner-up, Kekebou Dennis, (DEN KAY), of Oporoma, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area and Ruth Olu Sunday (RUTHNEY) of Ogbia Local Government Area who went home with N600,000 and N400,000 respectively.
A total of 86 persons applied for the competition out of which 36 eventually participated in the auditions.
