In a bid to empower young Nigerians for self-reliance and by extension reduce unemployment, the organisers of NollyHood Reality TV show Beach Edition season 2 has concluded 25 days training where 32 youths were gathered to harness and groom their talents.
At the end of the contest in Lagos, Ola-Aluko Ajibola, aka AJ emerged winner of the show with a car and N15m worth of prizes.
In a media chat, the winner, Ajibola, a graduate of the University of Benin, Department of Theatre Arts said, “My experience was nothing short of amazing, to be honest. From the first day we were at the training house to the last day, it had been a series of emotions, anger, and happiness. That’s all I can tell you. I would advise anyone to pass through this experience at least once in their lifetime”.
Ajibola, an Ondo indigene who resides in Edo, told the media that he is an actor – a voice-over artiste. “My happiness today is that the show gave me exposure to explore these other realms and definitely it will improve my acting career. As a winner, I will use the cash prize to initiate programmes that would promote community empowerment. I appreciate the organisers for the exposure given to me to learn more about acting. I have learnt how to accommodate people from different backgrounds”.
In addition, 1st runner-up, Favour Clement Elebuwe aka FC, an actress is from Ndukwa West, Delta State. While narrating her experience about the training, said, “I enjoyed staying with my housemates and I gained a lot of knowledge during the training. It really brought the best out of me. There are things that I cannot do in the past, but I can proudly say now that I can do it. I used to be a shy type, but now I can tell you that I can face the camera and be bold enough to speak out, and express myself”.
When asked what she would do with her prizes, Elebuwe said, “I will channel the prizes to improve my acting project, build myself and give back to the communities as much as I can help. While appreciating the organisers, she encouraged her fellow contestants to be strong, bold enough to do whatever they want to do. Elebuwe said further that whatever promise the organisers made before the training had been fulfilled”.
2nd runner-up, Ada Orji aka Chocolate, described her journey as both challenging and enlightening. She said living with individuals from diverse backgrounds required patience and adaptability but ultimately helped her grow.
“It made me more outspoken, organized and focused,” she said.
Although, Orji did not win the grand prize, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity and reaffirmed her determination to succeed.
A travel consultant and aspiring actor, Orji plans to intensify her efforts in the entertainment industry while also exploring her interest in music.
The second edition of the NollyHood show brought together contestants from different parts of Nigeria, highlighting emerging talents and providing a platform for personal and professional development.
Participants praised the organisers for fostering unity and equipping them with skills to navigate the entertainment industry. As the curtain falls on the season, the finalists are already setting their sights on bigger opportunities, signaling the emergence of new voices in Nigeria’s creative space.
CAPTION: From right, Ola-Aluko Ajibola and 1st Runner Up, Favour Clement Elebuwe
