Eight Finalists Named in MasterCard’s “Win a Trip Few Can Win” Competition

Eight finalists have been selected in the MasterCard, http://newsroom.mastercard.com/, competition - Win a Trip Few Can Win. MasterCard debit, prepaid and credit cardholders were asked to share unique stories on how using their MasterCard product has positively impacted their lives for a chance to win an all-expenses paid trip to Lisbon, Portugal to watch the UEFA Champions League Final Lisbon 2014.

The finalists - Obisakin Timilehin, Obafemi Kehinde, Olubunmi Afolabi, Ibrahim Bawa, Jideofor Ntephe, Amaka Anowi, Chibuike Alagboso and Patrick Ikwueme – were announced in Lagos, after they presented their inspirational stories, together with 17 other shortlisted entrants, to a panel of celebrity judges.

The judges - Stephen Keshi (legendary head coach of the Super Eagles); Ali Baba (Nigeria’s foremost comedian); Tolu “Toolz” Oniru (The Beat 99.9fm’s host); Uche Pedro nee Eze (founder of BellaNaija.com) and Omokehinde Ojomuyide (Vice President and Area Business Head, MasterCard in West Africa) – then selected the top eight finalists, based on the quality of their MasterCard stories.  

Videos of the eight qualifiers have been posted on MasterCard’s facebook page (www.facebook.com/MasterCardMEA) where the public is invited to cast their vote for their favourite story. Following this round, the top four winners will each receive a MasterCard Priceless Moments collection package to the UEFA Champions League Final Lisbon 2014.

“The finalists’ stories are so inspiring, and demonstrate how MasterCard is positively making an impact in their daily lives,” says Ojomuyide. “Nigeria already appreciates the immense benefits that cashless transactions have to offer and this campaign truly captures how consumers are embracing the security and convenience of electronic payments.”

Some of the eight finalists described how their MasterCard payment cards enabled them to purchase products from online international merchants and as a result, helped them to grow their businesses.

Bawa, a 26 year old entrepreneur, says: “My MasterCard story is a story about buying and selling, as simple as that may sound. I believe that life is much easier when you can sit down at the comfort of your own couch and conduct a financial transaction successfully.”

Other finalists described specific life-changing experiences, where having access to a payment card helped them to overcome challenging situations.

“My MasterCard made it possible to save a friend's life when the hospital I rushed her to refused to treat her if we did not make payment immediately. We didn’t have any money except what was on my MasterCard, and that’s what came through for us,” says Timilehin, a poet and songwriter.

The Win a Trip Few Can Win competition, which attracted more than 500 entries, was launched in March 2014 as a part of Priceless Africa, a consumer loyalty platform which gives MasterCard cardholders access to special offers and experiences.

“Consumers in Nigeria have a strong affinity for football, and through this campaign, we are able to reward our valued consumers by offering an unrivalled experience that not only helps them to pursue their passions, but encourages a continual shift from cash to electronic payments,” says Ojomuyide.

The four winners will each receive a MasterCard Priceless Moments package, which includes accommodation, airline tickets, luxurious dining, access to the UEFA Champions League Finals’ team training session, a Priceless Experience at the finals as well as a private tour of Lisbon

MasterCard is a proud sponsor of the UEFA Champions League, and has been supporting the European league for more than 20 years.