Gulder Ultimate Search Season 9: Episode 3 (From Grace to Grass)

Attaining the exalted status of Gulder Ultimate Search contestant attracts several benefits which many ordinary citizens can only dream of. On arrival in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, the host state for Gulder Ultimate Search 9; the 12 contestants were ferried off to the Le’ Meridien Hotel; a 5 – Star Hotel & Resort, where they were lodged.

Next, they hobnobbed with the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Godswill Akpabio, who treated them to a banquet. The governor’s entourage included the Deputy Governor, Obong Nsima Ekere, the Secretary to the State Government, Head of Service, several commissioners and other political appointees. The Marketing Manager – Lager, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Tony Agenmonmen, led the Nigerian Breweries delegation for the courtesy call on the governor.

He thanked the state governor for the hospitality accorded the Nigerian Breweries delegation and formerly handed over the contestants into the care of the state government.

The obviously elated governor described this year’s contestants as: “12 strong, intelligent, ambitious, ebullient, handsome and beautiful Nigerians.” Not only did the contestants wine and dine with the First Citizen of the host state, they were also treated to sonorous songs by a band.

Next stop was the Ibom Tropicana Complex. They all looked dapper in their traditional Akwa Ibom outfits as they danced away, munching and drinking, obviously oblivious of the fate that awaited them.

The daring 12’ arrived Usaka in the dark. Chidi Mokeme, Gulder Ultimate Search 9 Anchor man, welcomed them and gave them two important instructions: they were to locate their campsite and also build it. With their mouths still agape, they were also relieved of all luxury items in their possession.

They arrived Usaka in the rain. The path they treaded as they searched for their camp had turned swampy. The apparels (traditional Akwa Ibom outfit) which had opened doors for them and earned them admirations from onlookers during the day, became their albatross on the rainy night as they waded through thick mud in the search for their camp. It impeded their movement.

Expensive shoes which they had worn for aesthetic value turned to items which served the purpose of protecting their feet from the unfavourable grounds of Usaka jungle. The contestants watched helplessly as mud was splattered on what were once luxury items.

Finally, they sighted a hoisted red flag, mats and their bag packs which indicated their camp site. They commenced the task of building their camp tent, utilising the bare essentials of nature – bamboo sticks and leaves; and man-made materials provided for them – machetes, mats and mosquito nets. When they could not find materials to serve as ropes to tie bamboos together, they resorted to shredding their once cherished wrappers.

Just a few hours earlier, they had been exposed to facilities such as saunas and showers when having their bath, at the best hotel in Akwa Ibom state. They could adjust the shower to any temperature of their choice. The jungle harbours no such luxury. Creatures do creep, the sun’s temperature may be scorching and the clouds may choose to give way to heavy rains; among other unfavourable elements.

As the wet mud, which they passed through, dried up on their bodies, they had to dip their bodies in a nearby stream to wash off the dirt. At night, the mats served as their beds and they slept on their first night cramped like sardines.
Well, adventure they sought, adventure they would get.

Gulder Ultimate Search is the flagship sponsorship property of the Gulder brand, from the stable of Nigerian Breweries Plc.
For more exciting episodes of Gulder Ultimate Search 9, stay tuned to the following stations: AIT, AfricanMagic World (DStv) and Real Star (StarTimes) by 10pm WAT.