Highlights of William Lawson’s Naija Highlandah Grand Final

Akinwale Awatt emerges from first Naija Highlandah, wins N2m and an all-expenses-paid trip to Scotland

LR: National Sales Manager, Olumagin Thomas, Bacardi-Martini Nigeria Limited; Project Manager, Chain Reactions Africa, Dixon Odukoya; Winner, The Naija Highlandah Challenge 2022, Akinwale Awatt, and Customer Marketing Manager, Bacardi-Martini Nigeria Limited, Lerato Makume during the NaijaHighlandah Challenge by William Lawson’s Grand Final held at Union Bank Sports Ground, Surulere, Lagos on Saturday November 12.

Akinwale Awatt overcame all odds, earned his kilt and bragging rights as the first ever Naija Highlandah Champion, earning a trip to Scotland and a cash reward of two million naira. William Lawson’s hunt for this coveted role began on October 6 and culminated on November 12 with the ultimate battle which took place at The Stables, Union Bank Sports Ground, Bode Thomas, Surulere, Lagos.

Fifteen contestants, consisting of 13 men and two women, showed courage, heart and spirit as they battled through tough challenges for the top spot in the competition held in Lagos State. William Lawson’s Classic Blend of Powerful and Bold Scotch Whiskey was looking for the bravest, boldest and most humorous person to represent the iconic Highlander this year.

Congratulating the winner, Lerato Makume, Marketing Manager for Bacardi in Nigeria, said, “We are proud of Awatt and delighted to have him on board to be the first Naija Highlandah for William Lawson. set your own rules and be boldly different. Our clients enjoyed the Naija Highlandah challenge, and we will surely come back.

Winner, The Naija Highlandah Challenge 2022, Akinwale Awatt presenting his trophy during the NaijaHighlandah Challenge by William Lawson’s Grand Final held at Union Bank Sports Ground, Surulere, Lagos on Saturday 12th November.

William Lawson’s gave Nigerians of legal drinking age campaign exposure at various outlets where they participated in exciting challenges for a chance to be one of the runners-up to make the final. The brave finalists who made the cut showed they were ready for even more challenges, turning up at the stables for their last chance to stand out from the crowd and be named the ultimate Naija Highlandah. Guests who turned out in droves were entertained by top attractions including @Clayrocksu, T-Music, The ARB Band and many more.

The winner proved to be the most unorthodox and fearless person in Nigeria by defying expectations, overcoming obstacles and beating his competition. The Naija Highlandah has been determined by various challenges, including good mood challenges, such as Spin The Bottle, Animal Imitation, and Balloon Games. There were also daring challenges, including the board walk game involving men in high heels who are timed and must walk quickly on raised thin boards. The two unconventional challenges were the ‘Kaku Meter’, where contestants had to guess the length of the bar counter – measured by the length of a bottle of William Lawson laid horizontally and ‘Pull No Spill’, where each person stood is awarded a William Lawson’s trademark cup filled to the brim. Using toilet paper tissues, they must pull the glass towards them without wetting the tissue. The wetter it is, the more likely it is to tear. Competitors were judged on who gets the cut closest to them in 30 seconds.

Winner, The Naija Highlandah Challenge 2022, Akinwale Awatt displaying his check and 2 Million Naira trophy during the NaijaHighlandah Challenge by William Lawson’s Grand Final held at Union Bank Sports Ground, Surulere, Lagos on Saturday 12th November .

Awatt, a native of Lagos State, is an entrepreneur, talent manager and is currently studying economics at the National Open University (NOUN). A food lover who enjoys cooking more than anything else, he is the manager of Tiamo Catering Services and enjoys football and swimming.

Speaking after his victory, Awatt said: “I want to thank William Lawson for giving me the chance to compete and win the Naija Highlandah Trophy. It motivated many Nigerians including myself to come out in many and to be their fearless. I’m thrilled to be a part of it and I’m looking forward to the trip to Scotland.

The other finalists are Jamiu Jimoh, Tajudeen Ajibola, Emeka Okoye, Lewis Okonkwo, Chibuzor Ezeugwu, Joakin Nwaigbo, Omobolanle Omoniyi and Paul Aniefiok. The others are Samuel Imo, Linda Okeke, Bamidele Modashiru, Adewale Lateef, Razzaq Bakare and Boluwatife Azeez.