The United Organization for Education and Sports Development Africa, in conjunction with the Commonwealth Society of Nigeria, is pleased to announce that Awgu Diocese has won the hosting rights for the 2026 National Youth Talent and Discovery Award. This prestigious award recognizes and celebrates the talents of young people across Nigeria, and we are confident that Awgu Diocese will provide a fitting venue for this year's event.
The online voting poll, which ran from February 1st to June 15th, 2025, saw Awgu Diocese emerge as the clear winner with an impressive 8,658 votes. The top three winners of the poll will receive the prestigious Commonwealth Diocese of the Year for Youth Development Award, with Awgu Diocese also receiving an additional #100,000 for hosting the competition.
"We are thrilled to announce Awgu Diocese as the host diocese for the 2026 National Youth Talent and Discovery Award," said Amb. Chineke, Cajethan Goodluck, President General of the United Organization for Education and Sports Development Africa. "Their commitment to youth development and their impressive showing in the online voting poll make them the ideal Diocese for this year's event."
The competition aims to identify and nurture young talents in various fields, including sports, arts, and academics. It provides a platform for young people to showcase their skills and compete with their peers from across the country and beyond.
The hosting rights come with certain requirements, and Awgu Diocese will receive a follow-up official letter outlining the necessary steps to take. Failure to meet these requirements may result in the hosting rights being revoked and offered to the next winners on the list.
We congratulate Awgu Diocese on this achievement and look forward to a successful event in 2026 during the actual competition.
Full Voting Results:
1. Awgu Diocese: 8,658
2. Archdiocese of Abuja: 5,570
3. Awka Diocese: 5,426
4. Archdiocese of Owerri: 161
5. Archdiocese of Onitsha: 146
6. Bomadi Diocese: 102
7. Archdiocese of Kaduna: 101
8. Enugu Diocese: 100
9. Nsukka Diocese: 100
10. Gboko Diocese: 91
11. Sokoto Diocese: 82
12. Ekwulobia Diocese: 76
13. Archdiocese of Calabar: 71
14. Archdiocese of Jos: 59
15. Umuahia Diocese: 48
16. Abakiliki Diocese: 48
17. Nnewi Diocese: 46
18. Ogoja Diocese: 34
19. Ekiti Diocese: 32
20. Markudi Diocese: 30
21. Port Harcourt Diocese: 18
22. Minna Diocese: 17
23. Archdiocese of Lagos: 17
24. Aba Diocese: 16
25. Orlu Diocese: 12
26. Aguleri Diocese: 14
27. Otukpo Diocese: 14
28. Shendan Diocese: 13
29. Pankshin Diocese: 11
30. Warri Diocese: 11
31. Archdiocese of Ibadan: 10
32. Kontangora Diocese: 10
33. Auchi Diocese: 9
34. Idah Diocese: 9
35. Okigwe Diocese: 9
36. Maiduguri Diocese: 24
37. Abeokuta Diocese: 8
38. Kafanchan Diocese: 8
39. Oyo Diocese: 8
40. Uyo Diocese: 6
41. Jalingo Diocese: 6
42. Zaria Diocese: 6
43. Katsina Diocese: 6
44. Iseele Uku Diocese: 6
45. Katsina-Ala Diocese: 5
46. Uromi Diocese: 5
47. Lafia Diocese: 5
48. Lokoja Diocese: 5
49. Ondo Diocese: 5
50. Kano Diocese: 5
51. Bauchi Diocese: 3
52. Wukari Diocese: 3
53. Ahiara Diocese: 3
54. Our Lady of Annunciation Ibadan: 3
55. Yola Diocese: 2
56. Archdiocese of Benin: 13
57. Ilorin Diocese: 0
58. Ikot Ekpene Diocese: 0
59. Ijebu-Ode Diocese: 0
60. Osogbo Diocese: 0