The maiden edition of The Voices with Ororo, a creative and developmental media initiative designed to discover, train, mentor, and empower young talents within the media and communication industry, has successfully concluded with Gabriel Onochie Udokwu emerging as the overall winner.

The competition, which was held on May 31 at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City, brought together aspiring broadcasters, presenters, voice-over artists, MCs, compères, orators, and red-carpet hosts from different backgrounds, all competing for a chance to launch their careers in the media industry.

The initiative is the brainchild of veteran broadcaster, Hassan Olasunkanmi popularly known as Otunba Ororo1, who has over 16 years of experience in the media industry. The competition aligns with its core objective of youth empowerment through media education and career development, particularly among students and young people passionate about broadcasting, public speaking, and media presentation.

Speaking on the vision behind the project, Hassan noted that The Voices with Ororo was created to provide a platform for young people with exceptional vocal and presentation abilities to develop their talents through professional mentorship, training, and exposure to industry opportunities.

The competition was adjudicated by a distinguished panel of veteran broadcasters comprising Dr. Sunny Duke Okosun of Independent TV/Radio Benin, Maxwell Omo-Osagie a.k.a Mofame of Radio Jusmen Lagos, Joyce Chuks of Super FM Benin, and Mhiz Philz of Vibes FM, who assessed contestants based on voice quality, presentation skills, creativity, confidence, audience engagement, and overall performance.

At the end of the keenly contested event, Gabriel Onochie Udokwu Onochie emerged winner, receiving a cash prize of N400,000 and a plot of land. Precious Omonzokpia secured second place and was rewarded with a cash prize of N300,000 alongside a plot of land, while Ruth Ogbodu finished in third place and received N200,000 in cash and other consolation prizes.

Three other contestants were also awarded plot of land each,beyond the prizes, the top winners will also benefit from employment opportunities through partner radio and television stations, as well as continued mentorship and professional development within the media industry.

Organizers described the maiden edition as a major success and expressed optimism that the platform would continue to serve as a launching pad for the next generation of media professionals in Nigeria.

The event was proudly supported by the Edo State Government, Omogiade Modern Homes, 7UP Bottling Company,Revactum Real Estates, Fidossi Wines and Spirits, Israelite Homes and Properties and Mouka Foam Nigeria, and attracted prominent government officials, media personalities, and entertainment figures.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, the Managing Director of the Edo State Waste Management Board, top media executives, and notable entertainers including MC Allamano (Dir Edo State Creative Economy), MC Twinko, Cyrus Da Virus, Da Orator,MC Pinmouth,HypemcVee,Comedian Nelson, TDA Dance Crew, among others.

With the successful conclusion of its inaugural edition, The Voices with Ororo has established itself as a promising platform for talent discovery, media education, and youth empowerment in Edo State and beyond.