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It was a Sunday of glamour, grace, and great music at the Jubilee Auditorium of the Mater Dei Cathedral, Umuahia, as Anthony Uchenna Shadrach was crowned the winner of the 2025 Vision Africa Radio Icons Music Reality Show (Season 12), walking away with the grand prize of one million naira.

The prestigious competition, themed “Arise and Build,” brought together young, aspiring artistes from across Abia State and beyond for the twelfth edition of the annual talent discovery and empowerment programme founded by Archbishop (Prof.) Sunday Ndukwo Onuoha, President of Vision Africa International.

In his inspiring address, Archbishop Onuoha explained that the initiative was conceived to nurture a new generation of musicians, especially in the gospel genre. He emphasized the need to train today’s youth to surpass the excellence of past generations and become instruments of transformation in their communities.

“This programme is not just about music; it is about building the minds and morals of our young people to become mightier than those of old,” he said, praying for divine blessings upon all who contribute to building a better society.

The Chairman of the Occasion, and Special Adviser to the Abia State Governor on Policies and Interventions, Rev. Fr. Christian Anokwuru (PhD), in his goodwill message, commended Archbishop Onuoha for his tireless commitment to youth development and human capital growth. He described the Icons Show as a platform of purpose that helps young people discover, refine, and project their God-given talents.

 “I am happy to see our youths performing so excellently. In a few6 years, many of them will become music stars celebrated across the world,” he remarked, pledging continued support for such uplifting initiatives.

The star-studded panel of adjudicators—Dame Uzoma Ugonma Nkulo (KCW), Minister Buchi Atuonwu, Mr. Desmond Anokwuru, and Mr. Ogbonnaya Ogwo (Mr. Sleek)—commended the contestants for their artistry and growth throughout the show.
Rev. Sleek Ogwo, composer of the Abia Anthem, explained that the judges focused on vocal strength, range, breath control, stage management, and musical interpretation, among other key performance metrics.

Speaking further, gospel icon Minister Buchi Atuonwu described the Vision Africa Icons initiative as a strong bridge for future musicians, praising its consistency in uncovering fresh talent over the years. In a heartwarming gesture, he offered free studio recordings to three contestants as part of his encouragement for rising stars.

At the end of the tightly contested finale, Anthony Uchenna Shadrach clinched the top spot and the ₦1,000,000 cash prize, followed by Udoofia Edet (₦700,000) in second place, and Stephen Chinyere (₦500,000) in third place. The remaining seven finalists each received ₦100,000, while the three participants who did not make it to the top ten but performed during the show were rewarded with ₦50,000 each—all courtesy of Archbishop Onuoha’s benevolence.

In his victory remarks, the visibly emotional winner, Anthony Shadrach, thanked Archbishop Onuoha and Vision Africa for the life-changing opportunity.

> “I was the president of our camp during training, and we shared beautiful memories together. Through hard work and God’s mercy, I am grateful to emerge as the winner,” he said.

The Vision Africa Icons Music Reality Show has, over the years, evolved into a leading platform for talent discovery, mentorship, and empowerment, placing Umuahia and Abia State firmly on the map as a hub for youth creativity and positive transformation.

Beyond entertainment, the programme continues to invest in young Nigerians—providing them with financial support, professional guidance, and exposure that strengthen the cultural and economic landscape of the region.

As the curtain fell on Season 12, one message rang clear through the chords of music and melody: Vision Africa is building dreams, raising voices, and shaping destinies—one song at a time.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has disclosed that his administration is equipping young Abians with cutting-edge leadership and technology skills to prepare them for future leadership roles in Nigeria and beyond.

Governor Otti made this known at the 75th birthday celebration of an elder statesman and former Chairman/CEO of Pfizer Products Plc, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, which was hosted by the State Government at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia.

Speaking at the event, the Governor revealed that about 1,000 Abia youths, between the ages of 16 and 20, are currently undergoing intensive training at a State-funded leadership academy. The programme, he said, is designed to build leadership potential while exposing participants to emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and 3D Printing.

“By the time this holiday is over, we would have trained 1,000 young people between the ages of 16 and 20. As we speak, they are at Government College, former Fisher High School, going through intensive training. Our vision is that in a few years, if you are looking for leaders, you must come to Abia State,” Otti said.

The Governor eulogized Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa as a man of integrity, service, and excellence, noting that his administration places high value on celebrating meritocracy and distinction, regardless of political leaning or State of origin.

Otti also announced plans to establish an independent agency to ensure the sustainable maintenance of public infrastructure executed under his administration, particularly in institutions of higher learning.

The colourful event featured tributes from eminent Nigerians. Member representing Oshodi/Isolo Federal Constituency, Lagos State, Barr. Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, who unveiled a book authored by the celebrant, described Ohuabunwa as “a man of capacity and demonstrated leadership who has proven that with God, anything is achievable.”

Chairman of the occasion, General Ike Nwachukwu (Rtd.), lauded the celebrant’s legacy of hard work and consistency, while commending Governor Otti for his infrastructural strides, especially the reconstruction of the Umuahia–Uzuakoli–Akara–Abiriba–Ohafia road.

In his remarks, the celebrant, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, expressed gratitude to God and appreciation to Governor Otti for hosting the celebration, describing Abia as the safest State in Nigeria under Otti’s leadership.

The highlight of the event was the unveiling of Ohuabunwa’s book, “Driven by Revelation & Inspiration – My Journey Through the 2023 Nigeria’s Presidential Aspiration and Matters Arising,” moderated by Dr. Uche Ogah, former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development. The occasion also featured the cutting of the birthday cake and other side attractions.

Dignitaries in attendance included the 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi; Abia First Lady, Mrs. Priscilla Otti; Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Mr. Ifeanyi Osai; Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe and Austin Akobundu; Professor Pat Utomi; former Rivers State Governor, Sir Celestine Omehia; the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe; the President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Senator Azuta Mbata; the Eze Aro of Aro Kingdom, Eze Eberechukwu Orji; among others.

On August 1st, 2025 at exactly 5:00 AM, Abia Radio Stations goes LIVE — uniting over 20 of your favorite Abia-based stations on one dynamic digital platform.

🌍 No borders. No barriers. Just pure Abia vibes — anytime, anywhere.

Whether you’re at home, on the road, or overseas, you can now stream Abia’s finest radio stations with a single click. From breaking news, soulful gospel, and top-tier talk shows to hit music and culture-rich content — this is Abia, uninterrupted.

🎧 Stream over 20 top stations, including:

• BCA Radio 88.1 FM (Umuahia)
• Buzz FM 89.7 (Aba)
• Gregory FM 90.9 (Uturu)
• Flo FM 94.9 (Umuahia)
• Love FM 99.9 (Umuahia)
• Vision Africa FM 104.1 (Umuahia)
• Magic FM 102.9 (Aba)
• ABSU FM 101.9 (Uturu)
• Rhema FM 93.3
• Spin 95.3 FM (Umuahia)
• Real FM 99.1 (Aba)
• Family Love 99.9 FM (Umuahia)
• Ifenkili Podcast
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📍 From Aba’s hustle to Uturu’s academic pulse and Umuahia’s calm capital culture, every Abian voice now has a global stage.

🗓️ Mark your calendar. Set your alarms. Share the word.
August 1st, 2025 – 5:00 AM is the dawn of something legendary.

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📱 Feel the sound. Wherever you are.

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