12 Contestants for Gulder Ultimate Search 10 revealed | Chidi Mokeme retained as anchor

The 12 finalists that will scavenge the Usaka Forest of Akwa Ibom state for the Gulder Ultimate Search 10 hidden treasure have emerged. The lucky dozen were revealed at the final selection party held on Friday, September 20.

The lucky contestants are Dr. Edmond Umebuani Chibuikem, Etido Ema Ebong, Okike Dennis, Chapele Tracy and Brosu Anthony. Others are Ifunanya Onike Michelle, Sheidu Onozare Halima, Ijeh Peter Oseleka, Ezidi Bobby Nzube and Salako Oladimeji Olukunle. And making up the list of 12 are Mary and Martha Adeboye. Mary and Martha Adeboye are identical twins – the first set of twins to enter the Gulder Ultimate Search jungle in the reality TV’s 10 year history.

Several sets of both identical and non-identical twins had auditioned for Gulder Ultimate Search slots in the past, but either one or both of them had been dropped at the regional selection exercises.

Freeze, a popular radio on-air-personality and the compere for the GUS final reveal party, initially caused a stir when he asked Martha to join the contestants that will be going home while Mary was to proceed to the corner reserved for Gulder Ultimate Search 10 contestants. However the Adeboyes’ separation was short-lived as Freeze announced that the twin sisters would be occupants of the Usaka jungle.

The dreams of several individuals who made it to the final selection stage were dashed; as they were deemed unfit to participate in Gulder Ultimate Search 10 for various reasons. The unlucky contestants that could not scale the Gulder Ultimate Search 10 hurdles are: Nkobo Ekarina Ekah, Okoronkwo Ezinne Jimia, Israel Eseoghene, Udechukwu Chibuike Nnamdi, Esin Mfon Okon, Onoyom Awatt Bassey, Uzor Jennifer Macaulay, Agoha Chidozie, Osigweh Paul Chigozie, Mary Olumese, Okafor Azubuike Obinna, Cassandra Oduah, Otto Canon Umebuani, Iroh Noella Chiicheman, Aimakhu Osahon Croomat, Robinson Sharon Eloho and Anazodo Ikenna Michael.

Speaking on the selection of the final contestants, Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigerian Breweries PLC., Mr. Kufre Ekanem, representing the company’s Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Nicolaas Vervelde congratulated the 12 lucky contestants.

He said: “Tonight, only the brave and most determined young men and women have been selected as part of the final 12 contestants. It is worthy of note that about 42,000 Nigerians registered for this year’s show. These 12 contestants will face a series of challenges individually and collectively as a team, all in search of the 10th Symbol, but only one will emerge as the ’Ultimate Man’ to win N10 million and a Mitsubishi Pajero 3.0L GLS AT (full option) jeep, courtesy of CFAO Motors, the official automotive partner of Gulder Ultimate Search.”

Popular dance group, Dance Na The Main Thing, thrilled the crowd to deft dance steps. The group took the crowd down memory lane, re-enacting winning moments from the past nine seasons of Gulder Ultimate Search.

One of Nigeria’s most talented hip-hop artistes, Wande Coal, also serenaded the audience with songs from his past and upcoming albums. The elated crowd danced to his performance of some of his hits such as: Na who born the maga, Sexellency, Rotate, among others.

More mysteries surrounding Gulder Ultimate Search 10 were also resolved at the final selection party. One of such was the introduction of past winners as Gatekeepers for this year’s edition. The audience and ardent viewers of the show chose Ezeugo Egwuagu, winner of Gulder Ultimate Search 1 and Dominic Mudabai, winner of Gulder Ultimate Search 4.

The highlight of the occasion was the announcement of Chidi Mokeme as the host of this year’s show. He returned as the anchor man for last year after taking over from erstwhile presenter, Bob Manuel Udokwu. The veteran Nollywood actor disclosed that he was looking forward to a thrilling time in the jungle, but also advised the contestants “to gear up for the rigorous challenges that make up the upcoming adventure, for the jungle is no place for the weak hearted.”

This year, Gulder Ultimate Search will take place in Usaka Forest, Obot Akara local government area of Akwa Ibom state.

The daily highlights of Gulder Ultimate Search will be broadcast on national terrestrial and satellite TV stations from October 4 to October 31, 2013.