Kids Say The Darndest Things Berths In Nigeria

• Picks Tony Okungbowa As Host 
IT has been confirmed that Tony Okungbowa, former resident Disc Jockey for the Ellen DeGeneres show, will be the official host of the Nigerian version of the Kids Say The Darndest Things reality TV show.

Okungbowa was unveiled recently during the shooting of programme at the Ultima Studios, Lekki, Lagos. Sponsored by Etisalat’s Cliqlite in partnership with Indomie and Cool FM, the show is a spin-off of the globally acclaimed American family reality TV show, Kids Say The Darndest Things.

Speaking on his participation in the show, Okungbowa said the programme would provide a platform for children across the country to express themselves, adding that it will not only give children a voice but, equip parents with a better understanding of their basic needs and desires.

“I am excited about the programme because of its unique proposition. This show is essentially dedicated to encouraging children to express themselves and the wonderful thing about it is that the kids are finally taking the spotlight. We are hoping that at the end of the day, Nigerian parents will take away lessons about their children because as our society is fast evolving, we need to keep pace so that we don’t lose touch of our kids”.

According to Oludare Onasanya, Executive Director, HB Consolidated Limited, owners of the Nigerian franchise of the show, the team invited Tony Okungbowa and Chichi Nwoko to join the team due to their exposure in the local and international entertainment industry.

He also expressed optimism that the show will offer world-class family entertainment to viewers. “We are delighted to have Chichi and Tony on board for this show.

Tony is known internationally and Chichi, our executive producer, comes with a wealth of experience working on projects like Nigerian Idol. She put together this fantastic team, including our host Tony.”

In her comments, Chichi Nwoko, Executive Producer of Kids Say The Darndest Things informed that Okungbowa’s inclusion would ensure that the programme fills the gap in quality family entertainment in Nigeria.

“We have carefully selected Tony for his fluidity, freshness and experience in world-class entertainment.

In addition to his role as resident DJ for the Ellen DeGeneres Show, Okungbowa is also a prolific film producer and actor.

He comes with quite an impressive CV and when we met him, there was no doubt in our minds that he was right for the job”.

She added that Okungbowa’s natural flair and ability to connect with children was perfectly suited to KSTDT’s objectives of celebrating children.

Explaining the rationale behind supporting the show, Elvis Daniel, Head Youth Segment Etisalat Nigeria Limited, stated that the show aligns with the company’s strategic objective of empowering children to express themselves.

“We are very happy to associate with the Kids Say The Darndest Things programme.

As a responsible corporate citizen, Etisalat is always looking out for ways to connect with the younger members of the society and we see this as a fantastic opportunity to promote education and give back to the Nigerian child.”

While praising the HB Consolidated for bringing the Kids Say The Darndest Things to Nigeria, Brand Manager Indomie Amber Kumar Yadav added that the show would be an opportunity for the brand to celebrate Nigerian children.

“For us at Indomie, we always jump at any opportunity to celebrate children and that’s why we are supporting this programme”.

Broadcast sponsors of the show, Cool FM also attributed their support of Kids Say The Darndest Things to the station’s overwhelming love for children and everything that projects them.

Evita Moussalli, Chief Operating Officer, Cool FM, described the show as a platform that will showcase kids from every strata of the society. “I have met some of the kids and I’m amazed at how talented and out-spoken they are.”