On ‘The Mission’ to Aguleri

If the depth, valleys and jungles of Usaka Forest were easy to conquer last year by the young warriors who evaded it for 28 days in search of fortune, then those who desire fame this year must come better prepared in the 11^th edition of the Gulder Ultimate Search, foremost Nigerian reality TV show.

Tagged: ‘The Mission,’ this year’s edition of the youth empowerment and local content show, is truly for the brave heart as it sets in the deadly terrain of Aguleri forest in Anambra State from September 19, to October 16, 2014.

Within the 28 days, the forest, dreaded for its awesome depth, difficult terrain and wildlife, will play host to 12 young men and women with enough guts, and determinations to conquer the challenges of the forest in their quest for fame and fortune, while entertaining the viewers of the reality show.

While announcing the commencement of the search for the 12 aspiring heroes and heroines that would dare the Aguleri forest in the 11^th edition, Kufre Ekanem, corporate affairs adviser, Nigerian Breweries plc, brewer of Gulder, the organiser of the show, noted that “‘The Mission’ is truly for those with guts.

“Today is unique because it is a day our hunt for men with intellect, determination and guts begins; it is the day that we go all out to empower our youths and reward them for striving for success; it is the day that the best hands, whether male or female, embark on a mission to set straight what was long broken; it is the day we bring back our Ultimate Hero and set them off to retrieve the CUBE; it is the day that we announce the commencement of not the 1^st season, or the 2^nd, or the 3^rd,… but the 11^th season of Gulder Ultimate Search.”

As always, entry into the search, according to him, is free and the selection process will be rigourous with a national spread. The application form is available on www.gulderultimatesearch.tv from July 1 – 31, 2014. This internet-based application process will lead to thousands of people being screened in four locations across Nigeria. The four locations for the physical regional screening will be in Lagos, Benin City, Port Harcourt and Awka. There will be a final screening exercise in Lagos to produce the final set of young adults, strong, intelligent, able-bodied men and women who are determined to go the extra mile to achieve success.

“The reward at the end as usual will be fame, fortune and much more. The brave individual who emerges as the “Ultimate Man” will be rewarded with a cash prize of N10 million and a brand new Ford Explorer SUV,” Ekenam said.

This edition is far from being a winner-takes-all show as the second contestant takes home N3 million, third N2.5 million, and so on.

However, the ‘Last Woman Standing’ will in addition to winning N1 million, also drive home a brand new car. “But if the ‘Last Woman Standing’ doubles as the ‘Last Man Standing,’ she will go home with the later Star prize, that is SUV and N11 million,” Ekenam explained.

The viewers’ at home are also empowered to vote for the contestant of their choice. There will also be an interactive exercise for consumers, where the winner will also drive home a brand new car.

For the safety of the contestants, the organisers are putting in place a fully equipped ambulance, a well-trained medical team, a world-class security team, a comprehensive insurance cover, with one of the country’s most reputable insurance companies for the contestants, and modern communication gadgets to ensure minute-by-minute monitoring of all involved.

OBINNA EMELIKE