Gulder Ultimate Search Season 9: Episode 2 (Enter the Daring Dozen)

The ambience was resplendent. The setting was reminiscent of a feast staged by the wealthiest of kings of centuries past. The venue was the expansive Expo Hall of Eko Hotel & Suites. The audience gathered were gaily dressed and comprised friends and families of the particular night’s celebrants – whom they had come to cheer. The night’s celebrants were the 30 contestants that had emerged from over 35,000 individuals that applied for Gulder Ultimate Search 9, nationwide.

They had overcome harsh hurdles, tough tasks, and oppressive obstacles. However, the Order of Heroes would only grant the rite of passage to only 12 of the contestants to go in search of “The Gatekeeper’s Fortune.” The road to Gulder Ultimate Search is “notoriously” narrow. Of the more than 35,000 record applications, only 12 can enter the Usaka Jungle to compete in the Ultimate Adventure.

The compere and popular on air personality, Freeze, was saddled with the responsibility of breaking both good and bad news – and also breaking some hearts – to both the ecstatic audience and anxiety-ridden contestants. He was to deplete the number of contestants from 30 to 12.

The daring dozen that made it for this year’s Gulder Ultimate Search are: Haruna Nuhu Zigwayi, 27 years old from Kaduna; Ogbuefi Michael, 24 years from Anambra; Ojezele Paschal Eronmose, 24 years from Edo; Adah Uleh James, 25 years from Benue; Kofya Brown, 25 years from Cross River; Ezeh Priscillia, 24 years from Enugu; Bornford Patience, 22 years from Bayelsa; Uzoma Oluchi Osimpka, 27 years from Abia; Ujam Chukwunonso Emmanuel, 26 years from Enugu, Ojueromi Ayo, 22 years from Ondo; Udodi Onyinyechukwu Priscillia, 23 years from Anambra and Ifet Iniobong, 26 years from Akwa Ibom.

The three past champions – Dominic Mudabai (2004), Michael Nwachukwu, (2005) and Christopher Okagbue (2007) – who would act as Gatekeepers’ were also introduced to the audience.

The surprise of the night was the introduction of Chidi Mokeme as the anchor for Gulder Ultimate Search 9. He’s only words of the night were: “See you all in the jungle” and he strutted off the stage, accompanied by the Gatekeepers.

For more exciting episodes of Gulder Ultimate Search 9, tune into the following stations: AIT, AfricanMagic World (DStv) and Real Star (StarTimes) by 10pm WAT.