Against all odds, 24-year-old Chinedu Ubachukwu, emerged the winner of this year’s edition of Gulder Ultimate Search. The Anambra State indigene in he process became the 11th Ultimate Man in the Africa’s first and longest running reality Television show.
To attain the feat, he edged out 28-year old Emmanuel Afolabi and 29 year-old Nne Cosy Joe. After over three weeks in the jungle, only the three contestants survived the harsh weather conditions and the arduous tasks they were subjected to, making them the top three winners.
Incidentally, on the morning of the final search, both Emmanuel and Cosy Joe gave Chinedu their lanterns. They told him “this will light your path,” oblivious of the fact that that his light would shine the brightest at the end of the day. Both Emmanuel and Cosy talked about reducing their load. Their final task was to retrieve the great General’s War helmet, which according to folklore, had been hidden in the belly of the Aguleri Forest of Anambra State.
Ironically, when the contestants commenced their journey from Boat Landing, where they camped the previous night, Chinedu appeared the weakest of them. He even stated that he was not 100 per cent fit; adding that if the final search for the helmet became a purely physical task, it may be to his disadvantage.
Chinedu was the last to climb over a very high wall and the remaining contestants insisted that he should be the first to cross another rope ladder, which was suspended between two trees because he appeared weak. As the search neared its end, Chinedu appeared to regain his strength and the trio raced across a river which was at their waist-level, towards their work stations situated at the belly of the Aguleri forest. There they met an emissary of the Council of Elders, who adorned a red cloak, whose duty was to grant them right of passage only after correctly fixing together the tiles, which they found, during their strenuous trek.
Chinedu finally retrieved the great General’s Helmet surrounded by three fire pots. Hence, he joins the Order of Heroes as the 11th winner of Gulder Ultimate Search.
Chidi Mokeme, the anchor man, soon arrived on canoe and congratulated Chinedu on his great feat. He said: “After 26 murderous days in the Aguleri jungle, after days and nights of pain and sorrow; thinking about the unknown, nursing your wounds with sweat and blood, it is you Chinedu, who made it here, thereby, carving your name in history. By the powers conferred on me by the Council of Elders, I now pronounce you Last Man Standing.”
For his feat, Chinedu will be rewarded with N10 million and a brand new SUV. Two other contestants will also receive brand new vehicles.
