Governor Godswill Akpabio has enjoined corporate entities in the country benefitting from the patronage of Nigerians to sow some fruits of their harvest into the society.

Chief Akpabio, who gave the advice during the finals of this year’s Gulder Ultimate Search 10th edition held at Le Meridien Hotel and Golf Resort, Nwaniba, noted: “The Nigerian Breweries has shown the way, we want others to follow. Government alone cannot impact the entire spectrum of society. But when public and private sectors combine to work together for the good of the people, then they provide the two wings needed for development to soar.”

He congratulated the Nigerian Breweries for its unwavering commitment to youth empowerment in Nigeria, saying: “We celebrate you for providing opportunities for Nigerian youths to demonstrate and develop their intellects, strengths, ambition, courage and resilient in pursuit of their goals. You epitomise responsible corporate citizenship and we urge other corporate concerns to emulate your example.”

The governor commended the company for the introduction of the fans’ edition of Gulder Ultimate Search, which avails many Nigerians the convenience of participating in the search from their sitting rooms, pointing out: “This great initiative, geared towards wider participation in the Gulder Ultimate Search has created a virtual television community for the programme. In rewarding this virtual community with gift items and cash, you have empowered many Nigerians,” he said.

Akpabio congratulated the contestants on exhibiting warrior-like courage and strength in exploring the unfamiliar jungle and particularly congratulated the 10th Ultimate Man, Dennis Okike, observing: “By this feat, you have imprinted your name in the annals of Gulder Ultimate Warriors and won for yourself the honour of Gulder brand Ambassador. Your story should not be lost on our youths. You dared to dream. You dared to pursue that dream. You fought for it. You made it.

“I encourage every youth to have a dream and to pursue it. The doors of opportunity open by knocking not by remote control. Let every youth in our country know that if they can sail from their safe harbours to where the opportunities are, they would have great catches of fish.”

According to the governor, “We as a nation are involved in a search for peace and national glory. We, in Akwa Ibom State, are glad that your Ultimate Search has brought you to the Ultimate State, which holds the promise of what Nigeria has been searching for. This truly makes this event the Ultimate Search.

“Akwa Ibom has set the record as the first State in Nigeria to host this reality show for two consecutive times. The 9th edition of the show in 2012 took place at Usaka forest, and this year’s edition (10th edition) also took place at the same location. It does appear that the ultimate search for an ultimate location has ended for Nigeria Breweries Plc, and the search for the prize will henceforth continue in this blessed Land of Promise and the citadel of Uncommon Transformation.”

Nicholas Vervelde, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Breweries, thanked Akwa Ibom Government for hosting the reality show for a second time and congratulated the warriors especially the Ultimate Man for the year on their success.

Dennis Okike from Abia State and Electronics Engineering graduate from the University of Nigeria is the 10th Ultimate Man for 2013 while Kalu Kalu is the Ultimate Gulder Fan man of the year.

•Photo (L- R): Managing Director, Nigeria Breweries, Mr. Nicholas Vervelde, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio, and Chairman Daar Communications, Chief Raymond Dokpesi at the Gulder Ultimate show reveal party in Uyo on Saturday.