The Ultimate Night
By Osamudiamen Ogbonmwan
Truly, I had plans all laid out for that day. Plans, which had
been brewing for weeks. I had even made a quick stopover at a shop to get a cake a day earlier because that Saturday, September 23rd was my birthday. But I left everything behind, just to make an impromtu trip to Edo State, for the Gulder Ultimate Search III (GUS-3) award presentation.
It was one trip not to be missed but what was I to do about the get-together which had already been planned?
Really, I felt bad as I left Lagos that day, such that I resolved that even though I had to go on the trip, the party must go on– but without the celebrant. With a quick phone call to friends, intimating them about the new development, I left for the trip.
It was about 8pm that night when along with other journalists, I rushed into the Oba Akenzau cultural complex venue of the presentation. It was raining really hard and none of us had thought it wise to have brought umbrellas.
In the hall was a well-decorated stage, with two big screen televisions on opposite sides. No time was wasted as the compere for the night went straight to introduce guests which included the acting Managing Director of Nigeria Breweries, Paul Hamers, Deputy Governor of Edo State, Mike Ogiadohme, legendary highlife musician, Victor Uwaifo and many others.
A brief history of the contestants stay at the National Institute For Oil Research (NIFOR) forest was shown on the screens.
Then came the moment all were waiting for – the presentation of the Ultimate searchers.
One after the other, the contestants were called on stage from back stage, according to how they were evicted from the search.
The first to be called was Boma Onyanabo while the second, Patricia Jaja was welcomed on stage with huge applause from her fans who almost filled the hall.
The lady who opted out of the search due to some injuries she sustained, Comfort Ugheoke, was next, followed by Mariam Adamu, who was described as a strong-willed person. Adah Okoh was revealed next, then came the last-woman-standing, 22-year-old Lynda Clems; surprisingly the crowd didn’t cheer as only a handful of persons bothered to clap.
Edward Madaki’s welcome was incredibly far better than what Lynda received.
The dread wearing, amala and egusi soup loving Charles Akuba received an intimidating welcome.
When Tope Adewunmi was called next, I thought that maybe he had somehow been declared the winner overnight. Indeed, no word can capture how he was shown love. For a long while the crowd applauded him.
Twenty-seven-year old Hector Oluwaseun Jobarkeh, the eventual ultimate man’s welcome was good but not as that of Tope.
The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Ogiadohme, then came on stage along with officials of NB Plc and presented a five million naira cheque to Hector. The other nine contestants were congratulated. Ogiadohme didn’t forget to say all of them were winners. And in the process said the state still have areas to be explored by organisations. He later presented another cheque of N5million naira to the contestants, on behalf of the state government. Hector also received the key to a Ford 5x5 SUV Jeep and a year of free car service.
A brief speech was given by Hammers, who thanked the state and promised that the programme will surely continue.
Surprisingly, Chidi Mokeme, presenter of the two previous editions of the show was called up-stage and he was hugely welcomed by the crowd.
Soon, Ezeugo Nwuago, the very first ultimate man came on stage to say hi. Lucan Chamberlain, his successor, was also called to the stage. He went straight to declare that his ultimate man is Tope, even though he didn't win.
Augustine Imegvbore, the presenter was called last on stage before a photo session ensued. Thereafter, Hector was taken outside to be formally presented with his new vehicle. This was done, with the rains still pouring.
Two hours later, the train moved on to the Hexagon night club, where the contestants and their fans danced the night away.
Though I was very tired, and needed sleep badly, Edem Vindah, the Media Relations Manager of NB Plc surprisingly remembered that it was my birthday and pronto a birthday song was rendered. Some other things followed. e.t.c.
It had been a good day, no doubt, such that I wasn’t sad that I left a celebration back in Lagos to come to Benin because of work. At least, I had friends around who made sure that they did something, no matter how little, to mark the anniversary of my birth.