Veteran television host Frank Edoho has revealed that he earned just over ₦100,000 monthly during the early years of hosting the popular game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, despite appearing before millions of viewers as one of the country’s biggest television personalities.
Speaking at a seminar on Tuesday, Edoho reflected on his journey as host of the iconic show, which first aired in Nigeria in 2004, describing how he had to maintain the image of success and confidence even when his earnings were relatively modest.
“On Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, the first two years of my salary per month was a hundred and something thousand naira,” Edoho said. “But I had to dress sharp and appear like I owned the world. It was really a case of ‘fake it till you make it.’”
The media personality explained that although the salary had stronger value in the mid-2000s than it would today, it still fell below what many expected for the face of a major international television franchise.
Edoho, widely celebrated for his calm delivery and suspense-filled presentation style, said he remained focused on the long-term opportunities the platform could create rather than immediate financial rewards.
The turning point, according to him, came after MTN Nigeria became the headline sponsor of the show, significantly increasing its popularity and commercial value.
He disclosed that he later approached management to renegotiate his salary, expecting resistance, but was surprised when the company agreed to his proposed figure and reportedly offered back pay based on the revised agreement.
Over time, Edoho became one of Nigeria’s most recognizable television figures, with reports later suggesting he ranked among the highest-paid TV hosts in Africa during the peak years of the show.
The game show enjoyed a successful 13-year run before going on hiatus in 2017. It eventually returned in 2022 with a revamped format and an increased grand prize of ₦20 million.
Beyond the financial success, Edoho noted that the platform opened doors to endorsement deals, corporate hosting opportunities, and broader recognition within the African entertainment industry.
His comments have since sparked widespread reactions online, with many social media users describing his story as a reminder of the importance of persistence, self-belief, and professional growth.
Since its debut, “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” has remained one of Nigeria’s most influential television programs, producing several millionaire winners and becoming a cultural landmark in the country’s broadcast history.
