The Imo State Government has unveiled the Nigeria/Japan Youth Game Creator Contest 2026, a digital innovation initiative aimed at empowering young Nigerians through game development, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
Speaking during a press briefing at the ICT Hub, Imo State Secretariat, along Owerri–Port Harcourt Road in Owerri, the Commissioner for Youth Development and Talent Hunt, Dr. Emeka Mandela Ukaegbu, said the programme is designed to discover, nurture, and support talented youths in the rapidly growing technology and gaming industry.
Ukaegbu explained that the international contest is being organised in collaboration with the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Narcotics and Illicit Drugs Monitoring, led by Chief Ezechukwu Nnamdi Obonna, alongside GigBeing Inc., Tokyo, Japan, and Ebelebe Trading and Investment.
According to the commissioner, the initiative seeks not only to promote digital innovation but also to encourage a drug-free lifestyle among young people.
He urged Nigerian youths, particularly those from Imo State with creative ideas for fictional characters and innovative games, to take advantage of the opportunity.
“If you are a Nigerian youth with creative ideas for fictional characters, especially from Imo State, this opportunity is for you,” Ukaegbu said.
He encouraged interested participants to register through the contest portal for a chance to win substantial cash prizes and an all-expenses-paid trip to Japan.
Ukaegbu noted that the competition is open to developers creating original mobile, PC, and browser-based games. He said applicants must be at least 18 years old, while all submitted projects must be original, unpublished, and must not have won any previous competition.
Registration and submission of entries will remain open until August 31, 2026. Public voting and judging will begin on September 1 and end on September 10, while winners will be announced on September 30, 2026.
The overall winner will receive ¥500,000, while the first and second runners-up will receive ¥300,000 and ¥200,000 respectively.
The commissioner expressed optimism that the Imo State/Japan Game Creator Development Programme 2026 would boost technological innovation, promote entrepreneurship, strengthen cultural exchange between Nigeria and Japan, and create life-changing opportunities for young developers to compete globally.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by government officials, development partners, youth stakeholders, technology enthusiasts, media practitioners, and other stakeholders committed to advancing youth empowerment and technological innovation.
