Screen Idols, Others Rewarded on Millionaire Game Show

 
Five Nigerians have been rewarded on a special edition of popular TV game show, “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.”
The special edition of the show tagged “Who Deserves to Be a Millionaire” was conceived to reward heroes who have made positive impact towards the development of the country without receiving any significant recognition from the society.
The unsung heroes honoured at the show were Apostle Moses Olaiya, a renowned actor popularly known as Baba Sala who won 1million Naira; Usman Baba Pategi, a leading humour merchant popularly known as Samanja who won half a million Naira, and Rita Ofili, a physically challenged final year student of Linguistics at the University of Lagos, who also smiled home with half a million Naira.
Others were Samuel Odubote aka Teddy Odus, a veteran boxer and boxing coach of international repute who won half a million naira and Rabiu Sulaiman, a physically challenged traffic control volunteer in Agege, Lagos State who won 1million Naira.
MTN said that the special edition was in line with the company’s corporate values. “Enriching peoples’ lives is one of the core objectives of this activation.  It is in this light that we are dedicating this special edition to these honourees whose lifestyles depict integrity, patriotism, selflessness and courage.”
The show which was characterized by suspense, anxiety and the unpredictable nature of the host, Frank Edoho, was further enriched by the presence of top celebrities who took their turn on the hot seat to win cash prizes for the honourees. The duo of Kunle Bamtefa and Ngozi Nwosu of the popular TV programme Fuji House of Commotion supported Pategi (Samanja), while popular comedian, Teju Baby Face and TV icon, Iretiola Doyle, backed Baba Sala.
Speaking shortly after the show, Baba Sala commended MTN for the gesture describing it as the first of its kind by any corporate organization. “I am overwhelmed by this gesture shown to me by MTN. I also wish to commend the company for taking the initiative to organize this special edition because I believe it will encourage Nigerians to be more patriotic.” He said his winnings will be invested in a small business to sustain him while in retirement.
Who Deserves to Be a Millionaire was first introduced last year. National heroes such as Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, who designed the Nigerian national flag; Peter Fregene, the longest serving goalkeeper in the Nigerian national football team and Davis Offor (Clarus of the popular Masquerade TV series), were recognized in the inaugural edition.