Winners of 2014 Heroes reality TV contest emerge

AFTER 104 days of traversing many Nigerian states, the first batch of winners has emerged from Heroes: Back to the Roots, the first culture-based reality TV show to air in Nigeria.

  The winners are: Happiness Udodang (Akwa Ibom State) who clinched the first position; Luter Emmanuel Ikyobo (first runner-up from Benue State) and Chelsea Chinenye Oguejiofor (second runner-up from Anambra).

  The first batch of contestants were admitted after auditions in the six geopolitical zones for a 10-day orientation exercise in Kaduna, from where they moved to Plateau, where they spent another 10 days which pruned the contestants down to 37.

  The final 37 drawn from each of the states in Nigeria and FCT later moved into a camp in Niger State where for 60 days they were engaged in tasks revolving around their deep knowledge of Nigerian culture.

  The TV show also culminated in an event of honour to recognize individuals and institutions that have contributed to a better understanding of Nigeria’s cultural heritage, with great emphasis on cultural tolerance amongst the many ethnic nationalities. Some of those recognized are Babangida Aliyu of Niger State (Best Supporting Governor) and Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State (Best Governor) amongst others.

 While speaking on the reasons for the TV show, the technical director of the show, a Nollywood director, Ifeanyi Onyeabor said: “Apart from re-awakening interest in our culture the show also highlights the various tourism potentials abundant in the various states where the cast and crew of the show visited. The cast and crew’s stay in states like Imo, Bayelsa, Kaduna, Niger, etc, obviously highlighted some places of interest. The import of this is that states and the federal government can harness tourism, as alternative source of income, especially as oil prices continue to slide.”

According to Onyeabor, “Entry for Heroes to the Roots starts with obtaining the form, and followed shortly by nationwide auditions in the six geo-political zones, where applicants are first screened for eligibility, which is determined by a panel drawn from the arts community. 

  “After auditions, five persons are selected from each of the states and the FCT for the final screening to arrive at the 37 finalists – one from each state and the FCT- to compete in the house where they would co-habit for 60 days. Contestants who have great understanding of their culture will be in an advantageous position to emerge victorious.”