Rev. Fr. Christian Anokwuru Hails Archbishop Sunday Onuoha for Championing Youth Empowerment through Vision Africa Icons Reality Show Season 12 Grand Finale in Umuahia

The Special Adviser to the Abia State Governor on Policies and Interventions, Rev. Fr. Christian Anokwuru, has commended the President and Founder of Vision Africa Radio, Umuahia, Archbishop Sunday Onuoha, for his relentless commitment to youth development and talent discovery through the annual Icons Reality Show and other humanitarian programs that continue to impact lives across Abia State and beyond.

Speaking during the grand finale of the 2025 Vision Africa Radio Icons Reality Show (Season 12), held at the Jubilee Auditorium, Mater Dei Cathedral, Umuahia, Rev. Fr. Anokwuru extolled Archbishop Onuoha’s visionary leadership in sustaining the platform that has consistently discovered and nurtured young musical talents, particularly in the gospel music industry.

He noted that the initiative reflects Archbishop Onuoha’s passion for empowering young people to channel their gifts towards positive impact and creativity, describing the program as a beacon of hope for aspiring artists.

Fr. Anokwuru expressed confidence that the contestants, especially the finalists, would soon take their rightful place on the national and international stages, applauding their resilience, discipline, and dedication throughout the competition.

The Icons Reality Show, now in its twelfth season, has continued to serve as one of the most respected gospel talent discovery platforms in Nigeria. The 2025 edition climaxed in an atmosphere of celebration, with performances that thrilled the audience and reaffirmed the depth of Abia’s creative potential.

Archbishop Sunday Onuoha, in his address, explained that the program was conceived as a divine vision to groom a new generation of gospel musicians who will carry the torch of inspirational and faith-based music into the future. He congratulated this year’s winner, Mr. Anthony Uchenna Shadrach, who emerged champion after a keenly contested finale, and encouraged all contestants to remain committed to self-improvement and the pursuit of excellence.

The Lead Judge of the competition, renowned gospel artist Mr. Buchi Atuonu, praised Archbishop Onuoha and Vision Africa Radio for maintaining a credible and transparent talent discovery process, emphasizing that the platform has become a life-changing opportunity for young people with passion and purpose. He also announced free studio recording sessions for the top three contestants as part of the reward package.

In a show of gratitude, the winner, Anthony Uchenna Shadrach, appreciated Vision Africa Radio and Archbishop Onuoha for providing him the platform to showcase his musical gift, pledging to remain steadfast and use his talent to inspire others.

The grand finale concluded on a high note as Shadrach received a cash prize of ₦1,000,000, while the first runner-up, Udofia Edeth, was rewarded with ₦700,000, and the second runner-up, Chinyere Stephen, received ₦500,000.

The colorful event attracted dignitaries from government, religious institutions, the entertainment industry, and academia, with electrifying performances, cheers from enthusiastic fans, and a shared sense of fulfillment that Vision Africa Radio continues to make a lasting mark on youth empowerment and talent developm ent in Abia State.