IMO STATE UNVEILS 2026 YOUTH GAME CONTEST TO PROMOTE DIGITAL TALENT, FIGHT DRUG ABUSE

Owerri, Imo State – The Imo State Government has officially unveiled the Imo State Youth Game Contest 2026, a digital innovation initiative aimed at discovering and developing young game developers while promoting creativity and discouraging drug abuse among youths.

The programme, organised by the Imo State Ministry of Youth Development and Talent Hunt and the Office of the Special Adviser on Narcotics and Illicit Drugs Monitoring, is being held in collaboration with GigBeing Inc., Tokyo, Japan, and Ebelebe Trading and Investment Ltd.

According to the organisers, the initiative aligns with the 3R agenda of Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma, which focuses on empowering young people through talent development, innovation, and productive engagement.

The contest is open to digital creators between the ages of 18 and 35 years. Participants are expected to design and develop culturally themed digital games up to a 20 per cent Alpha version.

Outstanding participants will receive attractive cash prizes in Japanese Yen:

• First Prize: ¥500,000
• Second Prize: ¥300,000
• Third Prize: ¥200,000

In addition to the cash reward, the overall winner will enjoy an all-expenses-paid trip to Japan for mentorship and exposure to leading Japanese game development companies.

Interested participants are required to register by signing up on jnaija.com, creating a profile, and submitting their entries online.

The deadline for submissions is 31 August 2026.

The announcement was signed by Hon. Ezechukwu N. Obonna, Special Adviser on Narcotics and Illicit Drugs Monitoring, on behalf of the Central Planning Committee.

The organisers encouraged eligible youths across Imo State to seize the opportunity to showcase their creativity, develop world-class gaming solutions, and position themselves for international exposure.