Talent knows no disability: Blind Got Talent 2026 showcases exceptional abilities

Mercy Iheoma Ihedigbo

The 2026 edition of The Blind Got Talent (TBGT), an initiative of Liberators Network, has showcased the exceptional abilities of persons with visual impairments, providing a platform for talent discovery, empowerment, disability inclusion and greater public recognition.

The grand finale, held on October 3, 2026, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Auditorium, Awka, Anambra State, brought together talented contestants, guests, supporters and members of the public to celebrate creativity and demonstrate that disability does not define an individual’s potential.

The programme was initiated by Mr. Chizoba Orji John, a teacher, visually impaired presenter and advocate for persons with visual impairments, who conceived the initiative to promote their talents and create opportunities for personal and professional development.

Organised by Liberators Network, the competition featured various forms of creative expression, including singing, spoken word, music, acting and other performances, highlighting the diversity of talents within the visually impaired community.

The initiative goes beyond a conventional talent competition, seeking to challenge stereotypes, promote accessibility and encourage the meaningful participation of persons with visual impairments in society.

According to the organisers, the programme is designed to become an annual event, with preparations for the next edition already underway.

From auditions to the grand finale

The journey to the grand finale began with an online registration and audition process that attracted interest from aspiring contestants.
According to the organisers, approximately 50 contestants registered, while 19 appeared for the physical audition held on September 18, 2026, at the Liberators Network Auditorium.

Following the assessment, 10 finalists were selected to compete at the grand finale.
The selection process provided an opportunity to identify individuals whose talents, performances and potential stood out among the participants.

The finalists represented different professional and creative backgrounds, including music, broadcasting, spoken-word poetry, entrepreneurship, education, acting and disability advocacy.

The organisers said the competition was designed not only to celebrate outstanding performances but also to create visibility and connect participants with opportunities to develop their skills.

Meet the finalists

The 10 finalists brought diverse experiences, ambitions and personal stories to the competition, reflecting the determination of persons with visual impairments to pursue their dreams despite social barriers and limited opportunities.

Victory Thomas, a 24-year-old student and singer from Kwara State based in Lagos, participated in the competition to advance her musical ambitions. She hopes to graduate with first-class honours, pursue postgraduate studies abroad and develop her music career.

Emmanuel Kenechukwu Nwafor, popularly known as Orator, is a strategic communications professional, public speaker, spoken-word artist and disability inclusion advocate from Anambra State, based in Abuja.

A Philosophy graduate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, he uses spoken word to challenge stereotypes and promote inclusion.
Echefu Anderson, popularly known as Anderson Nwanma, is a 25-year-old highlife musician from Ebonyi State based in Awka, Anambra State. Through his music, he seeks to inspire audiences and advocate for persons with disabilities.

Olabode Elijah Oladosu, known professionally as Governor Bode Sax, is a 22-year-old saxophonist and sound engineer from Oyo State based in Lagos. Despite losing his sight to meningitis at the age of eight, he has continued to develop his musical abilities and has won several talent competitions.

Dike Leonora Iruoma, popularly known as Prolific Spice, is a 19-year-old student, entrepreneur, content creator, student reporter and radio presenter from Anambra State.

She is passionate about singing, writing and broadcasting and hopes to use her creative abilities to inspire others.

Abdulfatai Rofiq, known as The Sports President, is a 25-year-old university student and Yoruba-language sports broadcaster from Kwara State, based in Osun State. A student of History and International Relations at Obafemi Awolowo University, he hopes to become a recognised sports broadcaster and take Yoruba-language sports journalism to wider audiences.

Agulanna Cynthia Chisom, known as Oracle, is a poet, tutor, writer and entrepreneur from Imo State. She lost her sight in 2014 and has since used poetry and writing to express her experiences and advocate for greater visibility for persons with visual impairments.

She graduated as the Best Graduating Student in Special Needs Education at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 2025.

Precious Chioma Anekwe, popularly known as PC Benson or Annabel, is a 27-year-old entrepreneur and aspiring actress from Anambra State, based in Awka. Having lost her sight at the age of 10, she hopes to build a successful acting career and encourage other visually impaired people to pursue their ambitions.

Nwoye Sandra Chinenye, known as Sandy, is a 29-year-old teacher and entrepreneur from Anambra State, based in Awkuzu. Passionate about acting, she hopes to use her creative abilities to demonstrate that people with visual impairments can excel in the entertainment industry.

Nwambu Chisom Celestina, professionally known as Immaculate Queen, is a 20-year-old entrepreneur, content creator, singer and aspiring lawyer from Anambra State, based in Awka. She hopes to complete her law degree, build a successful music career and advocate for justice in her community.

Special awards recognise outstanding performances

The grand finale also featured special awards recognising the contestants’ creativity, potential, originality and impact throughout the competition.

Anderson Nwanma received the Audience Favourite award for his connection with the audience.
Emmanuel Nwafor won the Most Inspirational award in recognition of his personal journey, spoken-word performance and commitment to disability inclusion.

Victory Thomas received two awards: Best Emerging Talent and Judges’ Choice, recognising her promise as a rising musical talent and the quality of her performance.

Cynthia Chisom received the Most Original Performance award for the creativity and originality she demonstrated during the competition.

The awards highlighted the diversity of talent among the finalists and reinforced the programme’s emphasis on recognising individual abilities.

Organisers seek broader opportunities for contestants

Speaking on the philosophy behind the initiative, the host, Chizoba Orji John, emphasised the importance of developing one’s mind and pursuing a vision.

“Of what benefit will it be for you to be sighted without a vision? Creativity is a thing of the mind. Develop your mind today and reach for the peak,” he said.

Anderson Nwanma also stressed that disability should not prevent individuals from making meaningful contributions to society.
“Disability is not inability, liability or nonentity to society. But if you can embrace spirituality, originality, punctuality and creativity, you must be a celebrity,” he said.

One of the judges, J.C. Miracle, encouraged contestants to maintain their originality regardless of the competition’s outcome.
“Competition is just to choose a winner; it does not stop anybody from being original,” the judge said.

The organisers said the initiative would continue to pursue opportunities for talent development, mentorship, career advancement, advocacy and empowerment for persons with visual impairments.

Liberators Network’s inclusion agenda

Liberators Network is a media organisation that uses podcasts, documentaries, event coverage and storytelling to promote personal development, social awareness and economic growth.

The organisation believes that stories and ideas can inspire positive change when people are given opportunities to share their experiences and contribute to society.

The Blind Got Talent reflects this philosophy by creating a platform for talented persons with visual impairments to gain recognition and connect with opportunities that might otherwise remain inaccessible.

The organisers said their previous media engagement with the Visually Impaired Students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University helped strengthen their understanding of the talents and potential within the community and reinforced the need for a dedicated platform.

Although the inaugural edition was held in Anambra State, the initiative is open to talented contestants from across Nigeria, with an ambition to expand its reach across Africa.

With preparations for the next edition already underway, Liberators Network hopes to attract more participants, strengthen partnerships and create additional opportunities for the development of visually impaired talents.

The organisation maintains that The Blind Got Talent is more than a competition; it is an effort to promote inclusion, challenge misconceptions about disability and demonstrate that persons with visual impairments can create, lead, compete and contribute meaningfully to society.

Through the initiative, Liberators Network seeks to advance its broader mission of liberating minds, transforming lives and building a better future through ideas, stories and community engagement.