Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has assured of continued investments in the entertainment industry to boost tourism and engage the youths meaningfully.

The governor who was speaking at the grand finale of the Bayelsa Karaoke Singing Competition Season 4 at the Banquet Hall, Yenagoa with the theme: Challenge for Prosperity, said the programme was a deliberate effort to empower the young ones, reduce social vices and discover talents in music.

Represented by the Commissioner for Tourism Development, Mr. John Alah, the Governor who congratulated the winners of this edition, assured that the Prosperity Government would sustain the annual Karaoke competition.

The Initiator and visioner of the Bayelsa Karaoke Singing Competition, Mr. Joseph Emarada, a.k.a MC Okpeke, who is the Senior Special Assistant on Entertainment in the State, said the 8-weeks Karaoke singing competition platform was to develop music talents and build their skills for a great future.

MC Okpeke, appreciated the Governor, Senator Douye Diri, for funding the project and approving the sum of N1 million naira prize and one year recording contract for the overall winner this year, Igbedi-born Samson Itonyo.

The champion of the Bayelsa Karaoke Singing Competition Season 4, Mr. Samson Itonyo known with stage name, STARR, is full of appreciation to the organisers for the platform to showcase their talents.

At the end of the grand finale, Oporoma born Kekebou Dennis Believe-God known as DEN KAY emerged runners up with a prize money of Six Hundred Thousand Naira while Ogbia-born Ruth Olu Sunday, with stage name RUTHNEY came third and received the sum of Four Hundred Thousand Naira for her efforts.

A total of 86 persons entered for the competition but thirty six contestants eventually participated after the auditions.

•PHOTO: Winner of Bayelsa Karaoke Singing Competition Season 4, Mr. Samson Itonyo known with stage name, STARR (2ndfrom right) flanked by initiator of the event, Mr. Joseph Emarada Okpeke (3rdfrom right), runners-up, Mr. Kekebou Dennis Believe-God known as DEN KAY (1stright) and the 3rdplaced winner, Ruth Olu Sunday, with stage name RUTHNEY (1stleft) after the grand finale in Yenagoa at the weekend.