The 2015 edition of the biggest and most credible pageant in Nigeria, Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria recorded huge success that came with a huge budget as well. The organisers were fortunate to have the host State, Cross Rivers shouldering some of the financial weight of the much acclaimed event. The event held on Saturday, October 24, 2015 at the Calabar International Conference Centre, Calabar,Cross River State. The event gulped all of N24 million.
The breakdown is as follows…
THE VENUE
The Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant is the very first event to take place at the ultra modern Calabar International Conference Centre. The landmark purpose built facility was glad to receive the organisers of the prestigious pageant.
The amiable governor of Cross River State, Senator Ben Ayade gave the organisers the venue at no cost.
THE N1.5M STAGE AND SOUND EQUIPMENT
The state of art sound system and equipment alongside the stage, lighting made the organisers dig deep into their pocket. According to our source, all of N1.5million went into it to make it a success.
THE RED CARPET
The red carpet kicked off a little bit behind schedule but it was not noticeable with the smooth sail the event had from the beginning till the end. Guests were ushered on to the red carpet to take snap shots while some others granted interviews. Rumour has it that the red carpet was not that much, about N200,000 was spent to put it together.
THE TWO HOSTS
Having talented TV host, Vixen Yvonne Ekwere does not come cheap. Be ready to part with N200,000 for her to anchor your show. The same thing goes for Chris Okenwa. Having the duo to take charge of your event cost N400,000. Their special Calabar costume was made for them by Mama Bakassi herself. Princess Senator Ita Giwa.
THE USHERS
Numbering up to 10, ebony skinned tall ladies in green floor sweeping gowns lit the venue. Some were at the entrance of the conference centre, some were inside the hall.
Each usher got N10,000 .The ushers were gotten through a special arrangement by supporters of the organisers. No fee was taken by any modelling agency. A total of N100,000 was spent on ushers.
THE TROPHIES
The trophies made of gold mounted on a black base were given to six out of the 37 contestants. Miss Katsina got a trophy for winning Best Evening Wear. Miss Niger also got one for winning Best Traditional Wear. Miss Yobe, Miss Borno, Miss Ebonyi and Miss Gombe all got shinning trophies. Each trophy costs N100,000 while the six cost N600,000.
GUEST, PRESENTERS, CONTESTANTS WERE ALL LODGED WITH N11.4MILLION
Tinapa Lakeside Hotel, the business and leisure resort located a few minutes away from central Calabar, Cross River State hosted contestants, organisers and presenters of MBGN. The organisers spared no cost in making sure all their guests had a comfortable stay.
Contestants were lodged at Tinapa Lakeside Hotel for a week while artistes, hosts, presenters were lodged for three days. Lodging per night cost N28,500 for Standard Rooms and 50 guests were lodged in Standard Rooms. They spent three days in the hotel.
Lodging in an Executive Room cost N38,500 per night. 22 people were lodged in the Executive Suite, guests lodged there spent a week. While the remaining eight guests were lodged in suites at N49,000 per night. Guests lodged in suites spent three days. The total for accommodation is N11.4million.
N2MILLION ARTISTES’ FEE
Mc Galaxy was the first on stage. His energetic dance cheered the guests up. He was paid N800,000. While Kiss Daniel was paid N1million. The DJ working behind the scene pocketed N200,000, making a total of N2million.
N2 MILLION ADVERTISEMENT
The media were not left out on the organiser’s bill. We learnt advertisement gulped N2 million. They covered television, radio, billboards and print media.
N3.7 MILLION FOR THOSE WHO FLEW IN FOR MBGN
Guests, contestants, presenters, crew and artistes were all flown to Calabar on the organiser’s bill. Those who went, were aboard Arik Air flight. A total of 80 people were flown to Calabar from different locations. Arik return ticket costs a N45,466. A total of 80 people spent N3.7 million.
N1.5 MILLION MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES
Our sources revealed that about N1.5 million miscellaneous went to MBGN.
Stage and sound N1.5million
Red carpet N200,000
Hosts N400,000
Ushers N100,000
Trophies N600,000
Lodging N11.4 million
Adverts N2 million
Artistes N 2 million
Ticket N3.7 million
Miscellaneous N1.5 million
Total N24 million
-SHADE WESLEY-METIBOGUN