On 11th September 2009, Chimuanya “Aroma” Ufodike made Nigerian television history as the first—and still the only—contestant to secure the grand prize of ₦10 million on Nigeria’s version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Ufodike’s exceptional achievement has since remained an unforgettable milestone in Nigerian media, celebrated as a moment of intellectual triumph.
Hailing from Nnewi in Anambra State, Ufodike was a 36-year-old businessman in the steel industry at the time of his win. His sharp intellect and strategic approach became evident as he advanced confidently through the game’s increasingly difficult questions. Demonstrating remarkable composure, he refrained from using any of his lifelines until reaching the 14th question, valued at ₦5 million, when he opted for the “ask the audience” lifeline. His approach captivated viewers, showcasing both his knowledge and careful quiz strategy.
The question that propelled Ufodike to the final stage was, “Which of these is the name of a British football club?” After using his 50/50 lifeline, he confidently provided the correct answer, advancing to the grand prize question.
As the audience watched in suspense, host Frank Edoho presented the final challenge: “Professor Maathai Wangari won the Nobel Prize for which of these?” Unsure, Ufodike turned to his last lifeline, “Phone a friend.” Although technical issues complicated his friend’s response, Edoho repeated it, and Ufodike placed his trust in his friend’s guidance. He chose “peace” as his answer, which was confirmed correct after a tense pause, securing his ₦10 million win.
Nationwide celebrations erupted as viewers cheered Ufodike’s historic win on one of Nigeria’s most beloved quiz shows. In post-win interviews, Ufodike credited his success to his love for reading almost any type of material, except novels, and his extensive consumption of documentaries, news, and sports, which he said played a crucial role in his achievement.
Discussing his plans for the prize money, Ufodike revealed his intention to invest in his steel business and support his family, especially his mother. Humble in victory, he noted that while ₦10 million may not be a transformative sum for everyone, it was a meaningful prize for him and his loved ones.
Today, Ufodike serves as the Chief Growth Officer at Cloudenly, a platform focused on HR, payroll, and people operations solutions, marking his ongoing commitment to professional growth and leadership.