LAGOS, Nigeria – Frank Edoho, the iconic host of the popular television franchise Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, has opened up about the modest beginnings of his career, revealing that his initial salary was far lower than the affluent image he projected on screen.
Edoho shared the revelation during a recent seminar, a clip of which was posted to his Instagram page on Tuesday. The veteran broadcaster disclosed that for the first two years of the show, his monthly take-home pay was approximately ₦100,000, despite the high-stakes environment and the sharp suits that suggested he was part of the wealth being distributed.
Edoho explained that his financial trajectory shifted significantly when MTN Nigeria took over as the headline sponsor. He recounted a bold negotiation with the production company’s owner, where he proposed a substantial salary increase. To his surprise, the figure was accepted immediately, alongside three months of back pay. This upgrade marked the beginning of a lucrative era that saw him hosting major events and traveling extensively as one of Nigeria’s most sought-after media personalities.
The revelation has sparked intense debate online regarding the purchasing power of the naira in the mid-2000s. Okay News understands that at the show’s inception, ₦100,000 was equivalent to roughly $800 at an exchange rate of ₦130 to $1, a stark contrast to today’s economic climate of high inflation and currency devaluation. Edoho, who hosted the show for over 13 years, encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to “compartmentalize” their struggles and maintain focus on the ultimate prize.
