Veteran television host Frank Edoho has revealed that he earned just a little over ₦100,000 monthly during the early years of hosting Nigeria’s popular game show, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, despite appearing wealthy and successful on television.
Speaking during a seminar in a video shared on his Instagram page on Tuesday, Edoho explained how he maintained a polished image while earning what he described as a modest salary at the time.
“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 veteran broadcaster disclosed that his financial situation improved significantly after telecommunications giant MTN Nigeria became a sponsor of the show.
According to Edoho, he took a bold step by negotiating directly with the owner of the production company regarding his pay.
“When MTN came on, I just said, let me just give a figure to my boss… He said, ‘How much are you going to be paying?’”
Although he did not reveal the exact amount he requested, Edoho said he was surprised when his employer accepted the offer without hesitation.
“Once I mentioned the figure, okay, we’ll give you three months’ back pay,” he recounted.
He added that the improved salary opened more doors for him professionally, leading to several hosting opportunities and increased exposure.
“The rewards came in. I was hosting events all over the place. I was flying and doing all kinds of things,” he said.
Edoho also reflected on the personal struggles he faced before achieving success, encouraging people to remain focused despite challenges.
“Although my life had some ups and downs and everything, but like they said, 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,” he added.
His revelation has sparked reactions online, with many Nigerians comparing the value of ₦100,000 in the mid-2000s to the country’s current economic realities, including inflation and the devaluation of the naira.
At the time the show debuted, ₦100,000 was reportedly equivalent to about $700 to $800 at an exchange rate of roughly ₦130 to $1 and had far greater purchasing power than it does today.
Many social media users also praised Edoho’s determination, confidence, and negotiation skills, describing his story as an example of the “fake it till you make it” mindset.
Frank Edoho hosted the Nigerian edition of the global franchise for more than 13 years and remains one of Nigeria’s most respected media personalities.
Elijah Adeyemi
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