By Odeh Favour Adiya
Veteran broadcaster and longtime host of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, Frank Edoho, has revealed that despite appearing wealthy during the early years of the iconic game show, his actual salary was far from glamorous.
Speaking via his Instagram page on Tuesday, Edoho disclosed that during the first two years of hosting the popular television programme, he earned only “a hundred and something thousand naira” monthly, even though he was expected to maintain the polished image of a millionaire.
“On Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, the first two years of my salary per month was a hundred and something thousand naira. But I had to wear a suit as if I owned all the money,” he said.
The broadcaster explained that his financial breakthrough came after telecom giant MTN Nigeria became the show’s major sponsor.
According to Edoho, he boldly negotiated a better deal with the production company after the sponsorship agreement changed the financial outlook of the programme.
“I asked, ‘How much are you going to be paying?’ Once I mentioned the figure, okay, we’ll give you three months’ back pay,” he recalled.
The improved earnings, he said, transformed his career and opened doors to major corporate hosting opportunities, endorsements, and nationwide visibility.
“The rewards came in. I was hosting events all over the place. I was flying and doing all kinds of things,” he added.
Reflecting on the personal struggles he faced behind the scenes, Edoho said staying focused required discipline and emotional resilience.
“Although my life had some ups and downs and everything, but like they said, you know, it’s just the same microcosm of you facing trouble in your business… learn how to compartmentalise and just push it aside, concentrate your eyes on the prize and you will get there,” he advised.
