NIGERIA: Frank Edoho Says Sponsor’s Exit, Not Sacking, Ended ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire’

By Onoja Baba

Veteran media personality and television host Frank Edoho has dismissed claims that he was sacked from the popular television game show, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?, saying his departure followed the withdrawal of the programme’s sponsor.

Edoho made the clarification during an episode of The KK Show published on Sunday, explaining that newspaper reports suggesting he was dropped from the programme were inaccurate.

The broadcaster recalled beginning his career at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, where he worked with Radio Nigeria for four years before moving to television, which he said brought him greater public recognition.

According to him, the show came to an end after its long-time sponsor withdrew support following a regulatory penalty imposed by the Federal Government.

Edoho explained that the company, which had sponsored the programme for about a decade, decided it could no longer continue funding the show after being required to pay what he described as a substantial financial penalty over a corporate matter.

He said the withdrawal of sponsorship ultimately forced the programme off air, bringing an end to its original run.

The television host disclosed that when discussions began on reviving the programme under a new sponsor, he sought to become an executive producer and acquire a stake in the show, believing his 13-year association with it had made him a valuable asset.

However, he said negotiations failed because both parties could not reach an agreement, and his absence from the relaunched programme led to speculation that he had been removed as host.

Edoho insisted that reports of his dismissal were false, adding that he felt betrayed after dedicating many years to building the show’s success.

He hosted Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? from 2004 until 2017, when the programme went on hiatus following the withdrawal of its sponsor, MTN Nigeria.

The show returned to television in 2022 after a five-year break with new sponsors, an increased cash prize and Edoho once again as host.