The Imo State Government has launched the Nigeria/Japan Youth Game Creator Contest 2026, a digital innovation initiative designed to empower young Nigerians through game development, creativity, entrepreneurship, and technology.
The programme was officially unveiled during a press briefing at the ICT Hub, Imo State Secretariat, Owerri, by the Commissioner for Youth Development and Talent Hunt, Dr. Emeka Mandela Ukaegbu.
Speaking at the event, Ukaegbu said the initiative is aimed at identifying, nurturing, and supporting talented young people with innovative ideas in the rapidly expanding global gaming and technology industry.
He explained that the international competition is being organised in partnership with the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Narcotics and Illicit Drugs Monitoring, headed by Chief Ezechukwu Nnamdi Obonna, alongside GigBeing Inc., Tokyo, Japan, and Ebelebe Trading and Investment.
According to the commissioner, beyond promoting digital innovation, the programme is also intended to encourage a drug-free lifestyle among Nigerian youths by providing meaningful opportunities for creativity and economic empowerment.
He called on young Nigerians, particularly those from Imo State with innovative ideas for original games and fictional characters, to seize the opportunity and showcase their talents on the global stage.
“If you are a Nigerian youth with creative ideas for fictional characters, especially from Imo State, this opportunity is for you,” Ukaegbu said.
The competition is open to developers creating original mobile, PC, and browser-based games. Applicants must be 18 years and above, while all submitted projects must be original, unpublished, and must not have won any previous competition.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, while public voting and judging are scheduled to take place from September 1 to September 10. Winners will be announced on September 30, 2026.
The overall winner will receive a grand prize of ¥500,000, while the first and second runners-up will receive ¥300,000 and ¥200,000 respectively. Winners will also enjoy an all-expenses-paid trip to Japan, providing them with international exposure and networking opportunities.
Dr. Ukaegbu expressed confidence that the Nigeria–Japan Youth Game Creator Contest would stimulate technological innovation, promote entrepreneurship, strengthen cultural ties between Nigeria and Japan, and position young Nigerian developers to compete successfully in the global digital economy.
The unveiling ceremony attracted government officials, development partners, technology experts, youth stakeholders, media practitioners, and other participants committed to advancing youth empowerment through innovation.
The initiative underscores the Imo State Government’s commitment to harnessing technology as a tool for job creation, skills development, and economic transformation among young people.
