Gov. Akpabio sends GUS 10 contestants fourth into Usaka Jungle

The 12 contestants for this year’s Gulder Ultimate Search paid a courtesy visit to the newly constructed Akwa Ibom state government house, just before their entry into the rugged and swampy terrain of Usaka to search for the 10th Symbol. The searchers were received by the state’s executive governor, Barr. Godswill Akpabio. Also on hand to receive the Gulder Ultimate Search contestants were the Deputy Governor, Barr. Valerie Ebe, the state’s Head of Service, Commissioners, Special Advisers, among others.

Barr. Akpabio thanked the management of Nigerian Breweries Plc. for the decision to stage Gulder Ultimate Search again in the Usaka jungle of Akwa Ibom state. He said: “This is the first time that Gulder Ultimate Search will be held in the same location for a second consecutive year. This is an uncommon decision brought about by some of the logistics Akwa Ibom put in place as an uncommon host. I am sure you will have an uncommon experience this time around and you will also go home with uncommon memories of Akwa Ibom State.”

The governor also congratulated the contestants for being chosen out of the thousands of hopefuls that applied to compete on the show. He remarked: “I learnt that over 42,000 Nigerians registered to participate in this year’s edition of Gulder Ultimate Search; but only 12 of you were chosen. That speaks a lot about your characters and your personalities. Even though only one winner will emerge, I will refer to all of you as champions because it takes a lot to emerge from a crowd of over 42,000 people. It is a game and the fact that you are here means all of you are champions.”

The executive governor pledged that the State’s security apparatuses would be deployed to ensure a hitch-free Gulder Ultimate Search 10 experience, just like the previous edition.

Addressing some of the contestants, he congratulated Mary and Martha Adeboye on being the first set of identical twins to participate on Gulder Ultimate Search. He jocularly inquired if the money would be shared between them if either of them emerges as the Ultimate Champion. Neither twin was willing to share and this elicited laughter from the Akwa Ibom State council chambers.

He also subtly charged Etido Ema Ebong, who is of Akwa Ibom, to strive to win the Ultimate prize. Gov. Akpabio jokingly remarked: “Can you imagine if I were to hand over the prize to you? But I wish all 12 of you the best.” Reiterating that he is a fan of the show, he stated that the low moments of Gulder Ultimate Search are evictions.

Earlier, Mr. Edem Vindah, the Corporate Media and Brand PR Manager of Nigerian Breweries Plc. thanked the Governor for inviting the Gulder Ultimate Search 10 delegation to the 26th Anniversary celebration of the creation of Akwa Ibom state held a day earlier.

Mr. Vindah commented: “We are honoured by your sterling leadership qualities which have led to uncommon transformation in the state in the last six years. Exactly one year ago, Akwa Ibom hosted Gulder Ultimate Search 9. We were here in 2012 to receive your blessing. You hosted us to a sumptuous dinner; you gave us unprecedented support in terms of logistics. You asked us to come back to Akwa Ibom state. We’re back at the request of Your Excellency. This is the first time we’re returning to a particular location back to back.”

Mr. Vindah described Gulder Ultimate Search as a youth empowerment programme created by the Gulder brand. He added that hidden tourist sites had been made popular by the show, which is Nigeria’s first 100 per cent local content reality TV programme.

Mr. Vindah also seized the opportunity to intimate Gov. Akpabio about the Fans Edition of Gulder Ultimate Search, which affords viewers the opportunity of participating in the show from the comfort of their homes, and winning the grand prize of brand new Mitsubishi Pajero 3.0L GLX MT.

Gov. Akpabio jokingly expressed his willingness to participate in the Fans Edition. Gov. Akpabio’s parting words were: “When is it starting because I want to participate? I need that jeep.”

The Gulder delegate was later treated to a sumptuous dinner by Her Excellency, the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio.

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.