14 contestants emerge for Gulder Ultimate Search XI

Funsho Arogundade

Gulder Ultimate Search, Nigeria’s reality television show has altered the norm of contestants going into this year’s edition of the ‘Search’ by adding two more contestants. In an unprecedented move by producers fourteen young, energetic and talented Nigerians have been selected and will be heading to the deep forest of the ancient Aguleri community in Anambra state.

At an event held at the OceanView Ground of Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, last weekend, two more contestants were given the surprise of a lifetime when they were called to join the already selected 12 going into the jungle.

Nicholas Vervelde, Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, stunned invited guests with the revelation that for the first time ever, the council of elders have decided that there would be 14 contestants and not 12.

“Let all the fourteen go to the jungle,” he revealed.

The lucky contestants are Iwuoha Ikenna, 24, from Imo State; Nwagboso Joshua, 27 from Abia State; Emedike Ikenna, 28, from Anambra State; Nne Cosy Joe, 28, Rivers State; Ubachukwu Chinedu, 24, from Anambra State; Otto Canon Chimenem, 25, from Rivers State; and Afolabi Emmanuel Olusegun, 29, from Lagos State, (all male).

Others are female contestants comprising Iroh Noela, 25, from Imo State; Appi Samantha, 25, from Bayelsa State; Erijakpor Loretta, 30, from Delta State; Robinson Sharon, 26, from Delta State; Eriata Blessing Ese, 21, from Edo State; Addoh Evi, 22, from Delta State and Nwagbagiro Sandra, 25, from Anambra State.

All the 14 contestants would become instant millionaires at the end of the search, as no contestant will leave the jungle empty handed.

The last person standing as the ultimate hero will walkaway with the grand prize of N10 million and a brand new SUV.

An elated Samantha Appi, who was the 13th contestant to be named, recounted her shock through tears of joy.

“I was so sad. I thought it was over. I almost didn’t hear my name because my heart was pounding. I know every year it has always been 12 people so when I didn’t hear my name, I thought it was over,” she said.

The exclusive final selection party, which attracted entertainment heavyweights like Darey Art-Alade, who anchored the event, also witnessed the unveiling of a new Gulder bottle, as well as the revolutionary Gulder Club Ultimate.
Chidi Mokeme was also announced as the anchor for the Search.