By
Emmanuel Gandu
HIGHLIGHT
1. Why I write about BBNaija ?
2. Introduction
3. Concept/philosophy of BBNaija
4. Who owns BBNaija?
5. Why host the first 3 seasons in South Africa and not Nigeria
6. Why and How BBNaija is popular
7. To Ban BBNAIJA or not to Ban :
(a) Arguments in support of Ban
(b) Arguments against the ban
8. Economic implications/importance of BBNaija
9. Seven (7) most successful ex BBNaija housemates as at 2024
10. Top 5 richest BBNaija housemates of all time as at 2024
11. Top richest BBNaija season 9 2024 housemates from their daily tasks winnings
12. BBNaija winners and prizes : 2006 – 2025
13. Conclusion
BBNAIJA? WHY I WRITE?
Being a highly rated immorlity show by average Nigerian standards, I may not be the most suitable or qualified for this task, though. But as an addicted writer, a public affairs commentator, a social critic, and a committed citizen to the Nigerian project, I hope to attempt to expose the negative aspects of BBBNaija, as well as highlight any attributes of the reality show for the reading public as I often lace most of my write ups with an embroidery of facts, figures and data in order to drive home the message.
For the avoidance Of doubt, I have been a keen follower and viewer of BBNaija, as I made it a hobby to write on every edition of BBNaija from the very first season in 2006 to this 2025 edition. With these credentials, I hope to do justice to this subject that is pitching Nigerians on two parallels of divergence. Please be patient to read this rather long essay to the end as I promise you will be glad you did.
INTRODUCTION
Big Brother Nigeria otherwise called Big Brother Naija (BBNAIJA) is a TV reality show drawn from the Classic Science fiction novel ‘Nineteen Eighty Four’ by George Orwell. This fiction novel tells of a dystopian world in which there are video cameras and audio microphones on everybody all the time. In the novel the footage is viewed by the ‘though police’ (secret police) who is like a spy, now represented by ‘Big Brother’. This is where ‘Big Brother Naija series got it’s format.
In the whole drama of BBNaija, the housemates who are from the ages of 21 are confined 24/7 in a house, and restricted from interacting with the outside world until the end of the 10 weeks where the survivors from the weekly eviction contest for the prize won by the housemate with the highest votes.
Unarguably, this hit reality TV show is one show that many viewers across the globe wish to be part of. But due to its immoral content, a lot more others wish to have nothing to do with BBNaija. Every year from 2006 thousands of contestants troop to various centers to take part in auditions with the hope of being selected as one of the lucky housemates. Yet, hundreds and thousands of others hate the BBNaija show.
Worthy of mention is that BBNaija has been an entertaining phenomenon as its pictures are beamed to the homes, offices, hotels, entertainment centers and subscribers across Nigeria, Africa, and the world. This show offers the large viewership an engaging array of entertainment events for at least 10 weeks, but more importantly, the show leaves a trail of economic benefits, youth empowerment, and a boost to Nigeria’s GDP.
Yet many others are unconcerned and aloof of the whole BBNaija drama.
Interestingly, BBNaija show has cemented its place as a staple of Nigeria’s pop culture and entertainment. From the shady confessionals to the dramatic love and romances, from the uncensored exposition and nudity to the sexual language and content, from the pool garden and Saturday variety night parties with music, dance, drinks and alcohol to the emotional Sunday eviction, from the weekly games victories to the winnings of cash and material gifts all making a whole lot of action – packed stay in the BBNaija house.
All these have also come with a lot of accusations of insensitivity to the feelings of some sections of the viewing public.
It’s no longer news that BBNaija has over the years successfully turned ordinary regular folks into overnight celebrities. One of such is the winner ($100,000) of the very first edition in 2006 Mr. Katung Aduwak from Southern Kaduna. Another is Ebuka Obi, the host of the show from the 2nd edition to date.
Interestingly, Ebuka was also a fellow housemate with Katung Aduwak where he (Ebuka) came a distant position 8. One other is Miracle Igbokwe the winner of season 3 ‘Double Wahala’ who came into the house from the Aviation industry and as a potential pilot student.
I will not forget Hazel Oyeze Onu (White Money), the winner of #90 million in the 2021 season 6 ‘Shine Ya Eye’. You may wish to know that White Money was a hustler on the streets of Kaduna, doing menial jobs like plumbing, barbing, and Okada riding for survival.
I will not fail to mention Wanni Danbaki of the 2024 ‘No Loose Guard’ season 9. Undisputedly the shining light in that house, the Southern Kaduna born and ABU Mass Communication graduate, and DJ who won a Innoson task car in week 10, and came 1st runners up for 2024.
However, there are still as many opposition viewpoints as there are un answered questions about BBNaija. A section of the Nigerian public, who, from the viewpoint of religion, do not wish to be part of this immoral program. Yet, others have no qualms about the continues hosting and showing of BBNaija to the public. A lot more are not in support of this BBNaija as their reasons hinge on the open display of high obscene content, and immorality in the programming of BBNaija.
Therefore, this presentation is an attempt to enlighten, educate, inform, and entertain the public of the activities, aims, achievement, disadvantages, advantages, impact – positive and negative, and not forgetting the failures of BBNaija.
All these efforts is with the hope of achieving some level of exposition to the views, opinions, fears, and perception held by the general public – rightly or wrongly on BBNaija.
My duty as a writer is to expose you to the phenomenon called BBNaija. Hate or love BBNaija, this presentation may afford you the opportunity to either hate or love it the more.
CONCEPT/PHILOSOPHY OF BBNAIJA
The whole premise of BBNaija is derived from George Orwell’s Science fiction classic novel ‘Nineteen Eighty Four’.
This novel which was published in 1949 tells of a dystopia world in which there are cameras and audio microphones on everybody all the time in order to monitor and control their activities.
This novel tells the pathetic story of post World War II citizens of Europe countries under their dictatorial and totalitarian leaders – leaders that spy/keep strict surveillance on the people to prevent any uprising in the disgruntled societies of Europe of the time.
In this political satire novel, the footage is viewed by the ‘thought police’ (secret police) now represented by Big Brother who watches and listens to everyone. This is where the BBNaija series got its format.
Big Brother in BBNaija who watches and listens to every housemate through the surveillance cameras and audio microphones 24/7 represents the ‘thought police’ (secret police) in the ‘Nineteen Eighty Four’ novel.
Founded by John de Mole Jr, a Dutch billionaire and media Mogul who also created the popular American reality shows – ‘The Voice’ and ‘Fear Factor’, BBNaija is a Nigerian reality television show in which contestants not below the age of 21 live in an isolated secluded house and compete for a large cash prize and other material prizes under the surveillance of live TV cameras and audio microphones.
In this show, the housemates nominate among themselves those the viewing public will vote for eviction.
The housemate(s) with the least votes is evicted on regular basis until at the last week where the surviving mates go into the finale.
The housemate with the highest votes on the last day becomes the winner, and takes home the winning prize.
WHO OWNS BBNAIJA ?
BBNaija, the popular TV fan-favourite show is owned by a group of campanies and not an individual. Although the ownership is reported to have changed hands a few times since its beginning, BBNaija is currently owned by the Banijay Group of Companies which creates entertainment across 20 countries.
This Banijay Group is also responsible for other hit reality shows around the world including ‘Keeping up with the Kardashians’ and ‘Survivor’, as well as fictional global hits like ‘Peaky Blinders’, ‘Mr Bean’, and ‘Black Mirror’.
WHY HOST THE FIRST 3 SEASONS IN SOUTH AFRICA AND NOT NIGERIA ?
The first three seasons of BBNaija of 2006, 2017, and 2018 were both transmitted and hosted in South Africa despite –
* Having an all Nigerian housemates and crew.
* Taking jobs from Nigerians to South Africans.
The reasons for transmitting and hosting from South Africa included the following :
1. There was an already existing Big Brother Africa studio and transmission house in South Africa which Nigeria never had.
2. There was the need to put out quality content to the viewing public.
3. It was necessary to meet timelines and datelines.
4. South Africa had fully equipped filming facilities.
5. Transmitting from South Africa ensured globally accepted quality.
6. The facility used for the earlier 9 Seasons of the Big Brother Africa was available for other African countries in South Africa until such a time when each country had developed theirs.
7. DSTV and M-Net who have the sole rights of transmission of the program are South African companies.
WHY AND HOW BBNAIJA IS POPULAR
Big Brother Naija is one of Nigeria’s and Africa’s top most watched TV reality show. It’s a thrilling show filled with fun, emotions, drama, controversy, conflicts and misunderstanding, love, lust, games, talents, skills and display of nudity.
In this show, housemates are treated to a variety of food and drinks, maximum comfort, a Thursday pool party, a Saturday variety night party with music dished out by some of the best DJ’s in town.
The housemates also relish the visitations from celebrities and other professionals who serve as models to be emulated.
To further show how much popular BBNiger is, for example, during the 2019 Nigeria’s presidential election, Muhammadu Buhari got elected with 15 million votes (15,191,847), while Atiku Abubakar came second with 11 million votes (11,262,978).
This makes up a combined votes total of 26 million votes (26,454,825) for that year’s presidential election.
On the other hand, the 2019 BBNAIJA votes was extraordinarily far higher than the entire National votes for the 2019 presidential election.
According to figures released in 2019 by Pay Porte, BBNaija votes for that Season 4 was 240 million votes out of which 50million votes were cast in the finale of that “Pepper them” Season 4 of 2019 BBNaija.
More to it, the housemates also take advantage of the opportunity to showcase their own individual talents to the whole world for companies, industry, businesses, marketing conglomerate, etc for possible signing on.
Further more it cannot be overemphasized that the youths who make up about 60% of Nigeria’s 200 million population are addicted fans of BBNAIJA.
To these youths, BBNaija speaks their language, appreciates and understands where they are coming from. To them, BBNaija is not just an entertainment platform, it’s an identity, it’s a future, it’s a ‘religion’ that commands cult following.
Interestingly, it can be said again and again that BBNaija has become one of Nigeria’s most watched programme on TV in the last couple of years.
The show which encompasses a blend of individuals from different ethnic and behavioural background in a melting pot of an ideal Nigeria.
BBNaija is more than entertainment. It’s renowned for good mix of social and economic value.
In – house sources indicates that to date
* Over 60,000 people across various industries and disciplines have worked on this show.
* A highlight of yearly gift items shows that, housemates have won over #500 million worth of prizes on tasks alone over the past first few years.
* Season 5, for example afforded the housemates mouth watering prizes including these few following :
° Oraimo prize of an all expenses 5 days paid trip to Jamaica for the task winner.
° Flutterwave prize of 50 Betway coins for each winning team member.
° Dulux #2million prize for the winning housemate.
° Guinness smooth hunt challenge prize of #3 million shared by the winning team members.
° OPPO mobile challenge prize of $500 for each member of the winning team.
° Travel Beta prize of all paid travel expenses to 22 cities and states in Nigeria.
° Airtel musical presentation prize of #2 million for the winning housemate.
* According to analysts, the 2023 show was most successful for the house mates in terms of winning of weekly cash prizes, material rewards and sponsorship during their tasks in the house. However, the 2024 season 9 is already way ahead of the 2023 winnings.
* For season 7 of 2022, the show received over one billion votes, with over #100 million worth of prizes won by housemates during tasks alone.
* BBNaija voting fans are not left out of this winning bonanza. It is on record that #30 million was won by 30 fans who locked down their favourite housemates during the 2022 show.
* According to Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria John Ugbe, the production cost of the ‘Level Up’ edition alone amounted to #4.7 billion which included licensing, modelling, and marketing cost. Besides, the huge revenue accruing to MultiChoice every year translates to yearly increase of tax payment to government, thereby increasing Nigeria’s GDP.
According to David Hundeyin an investigative reporter, Big Brother Naija show alone remits at least #100 million in annual tax revenue to government.
* BBNaija reality show is not only a source of revenue for government but also a veritable economic empowerment tool for the youths. Many youth-oriented jobs are taken up whenever the Big Brother season comes around.
* More to it, family members and friends of those housemates can leverage for financial boost needed to put their business particularly Small and Medium – Sized Enterprises ,(SME’s) on the right footing.
TO BAN BBNAIJA : FOR AND AGAINST
(a) ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT OF THE BAN :
(i) Immorality and Nudity :
A Pandora’s box of immorality in TV reality show or not, the generality of a cross section of Nigerians have openly expressed their displeasure with the nudity and obscenities displayed by housemates of the BBNaija TV reality show.
Some have even called on the National Broadcasting Commission and other relevant broadcast and censorship boards to place an outright ban or withdraw the operation license and broadcast rights of the organizers of the show.
Such advocacy is premised on the fact that this TV reality show is not just an invassion of the people’s privacy, but that it encourages the menace of the decadence and sexual violence in the society.
They go further to argue that the tenets of Nigeria’s religious, tribal and cultural norms do not support the kind of immorality displayed on the TV screens by the young housemates boys and girls.
It is the widely held opinion of proponents of the ban that through this display of nudity, obscenity, sexual content, and intimate moments between housemates, open display and consumption of alcohol, and related scenes, the show has come to be identified with the encouragement of immorality, strong sexual language among the youths, indecency, an unnecessary notoriety, which antagonists say corrupts the moral values of the viewers which ultimately encourages the menace of sexual violence in the society.
According to a ‘PM News Nigeria’ report, many individuals and religious groups have accused the organizers of BBNaija for promoting immorality. Professor Ishak Akintola, Director Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) called on the government to Ban BBNAIJA for promoting indecency and sexual violence.
In another report by Daily Post, Igbo socio – cultural group, Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) called on the federal government to ban the BBNaija show, describing it as a “Social Monster” and “Semi Packaged porn”.
(ii) Voter disenfranchisement :
A section of the show’s voting fans have voiced their displeasure with how biased the organizers are. They cited examples of biasness to some of the disappointing evictions witnessed in the house.
For example, Tacha, Erica and Venita’s fans were hugely disappointed during seasons 4, 5 and 8 respectively when their favourite housemates were disqualified after they were accused of flouting the house rules.
(iii) Not giving back to the fans :
The Organizers of the show have been criticized for not giving back to the voting fans who spend their hard earned money to keep voting week after week for 10 weeks without ceasing. Their contention is the organizers greediness, refusal to share a bit of the profit, and adequately compensate the voting fans who’s patronage sustains the BBNaija show.
(iv) Nigeria Broadcasting Commission to revoke BBNaija operational licence :
Opponents of the BBNaija reality TV show have taken the battle to the door step of the regulator of broadcasting in Nigeria for an outright ban and revocation of BBNaija licence. This, according to them will ensure that the show is taken off the airwaves.
(v) Advantages of BBNaija doesn’t override the preservation of the dignity of the human :
According to those calling for the ban of BBNaija, no reason can be equated with the issue of the preservation of the dignity of the human person.
(b) ARGUMENTS AGAINST THE BAN :
(i) Immorality and nudity :
The accusation of open display of immorality and nudity by young boys and girls confined in a house 24/7 for a long period, and beamed to the living rooms of viewers is a misplaced allegation. This is likely as a result of ignorance, misinformation, the refusal to get acquainted with the operational procedure of transmission and reception of TV programming, or the inability to verify the facts, because :
(a) BBNaija show is rated 18 and therefore viewers discretion is strongly advised.
(b) The BBNaija TV reality show is strictly on subscription basis and never on open-to-air viewing, and as such one has the option to subscribe or not to subscribe. Therefore, one have the option to choose to watch or not to watch BBNaija. The choice lies with every individual.
(c) All decoders come with ‘parental control’ facilities that enables subscribers to disable any undesired channel(s) where the content is offensive to their sensibilities. And they have themselves to blame for not being able to disable such channels.
(d) The younger growing people who are being protected by those calling for the ban of BBNaija already have unhindered access to a hell of sexual, nudity, phonographic content in their Android compliant handsets,
such that at a click on any phonographic website, they are on to an array of indecency, phonography, and open sex in the privacy of their rooms whether at school or even under the same roof at home with the parents.
(e) Why have these apostles of morality not equally called for a ban on the social media like Facebook, YuTube, and the internet who are more guilty of showing nudity, phonographic, and sexual content.
(ii) Voting fans disenfranchisement :
Every organization have rules and regulations for members to observe and abide with, and failure to do so attracts sanctions.
In the case of BBNaija, every house member is not only told but given a copy of the ‘Code of Conduct’ including the consequences for violation. Tacha, Erica and Venita broke the rules and had to be punished. The fans are therefore encouraged to understand and bear with the organizers of BBNaija on this matter.
(iii) Not giving back to the fans :
Organizers of BBNaija have already adjusted on this accusations.
I’m not holding brief for BBNaija, but any keen follower of the show would have watched, observed or read in the media about the largesse extended to the voting fans, and as documented in this presentation. For example, before the conclusion of season 6 of 2021 the organizers compensated 30 lucky fans with one (1) million each, totalled #30 million.
This rate of compensation was improved upon in season 7 of 2022, and still made better in season 8 of 2023, and season 9 of 2024, especially for those who correctly make predictions.
(iv) Nigeria Broadcasting Commission to revoke BBNaija operating licence :
So long as BBNaija operates within the confines, dictates, and mandate of the code of conduct handed down to them by the relevant supervisory and regulatory agencies, their licence will not be unnecessarily revoked. And if by ommition or commition they revoke, BBNaija lawyers will challenge the action in court to seek for proper and lawful adjudication.
(v) Advantages of BBNaija doesn’t override preservation of the dignity of the human :
Without prejudice to the dignity of the human person, proponents and supporters of BBNaija argue that this reality show offers educational, informational, economic development, entertainment, and social benefits not only to the housemates, the youths, the viewing public but also to Nigerian families and indeed the entire Nation – (Iyorza 2021)
ECONOMIC IMPLICATION OF BBNAIJA TO NIGERIA
1. Avenue for wealth creation :
For the past years (from 2006 to date) the activities of BBNaija have become not only a source of employment opportunity but a forum for talent and content development for a myriad of entertainment related businesses :
(i) In the 3rd Season, ie the 2018 ‘Double Wahala’, for example, a total of 170 million votes coming from 49 African countries were cast with 30 million coming in the final week alone.
If all these votes had been cast by SMS from Nigeria, it would have meant that GSM and data service providers also went smiling to the bank.
(ii) According to figures released in 2019 by Pay Porte, Nigerians had a total of 240 million votes for the season out of which over 50 million votes were cast in the finale of that Season 4 ‘Pepper Dem’ 2019 edition of the Big Brother Naija. This therefore revealed the spending of a whopping #7.2 billion on votes alone.
In addition, over #1.5 billion was spent in the finale – an amount higher than a month’s allocation to 3 states of Nigeria put together at that time.
This indicates that the Nigerian is not just only talented, but also enterprising, innovative, resillient, creative and resourceful.
(iii) Business entrepreneurs, product manufacturers, service providers, fabrics/garment manufacturers, film and music producers, fashion designers, etc are also afforded the opportunity to showcase their products.
(iv) It is an informal market of ideas and goods where business deals and endorsements are concluded.
(v) BBNaija has become real businesses for all sectors to take advantage of the conducive business environment in order to add value to national economy.
2. Bad Economy push youths to entertainment :
Analysts have described the high level of unemployment, harsh economic realities, and surging inflation ravaging and bedeviling Nigeria as the major reason many youths have resorted to seeking employment, fame and fortune in the entertainment industry.
Research findings indicates that over 40% of Nigerian youths in the job market have dumped their professions for a bite of the action at the entertainment industry.
For example, as at 2023/24 fresh law graduates earn as low as #30,000 a month in wages, while many young medical doctors are unemployed at least until they leave Nigeria to greener pastures elsewhere.
Little wonder the youths abandon their professions to seek wealth in the creative market, social media and reality television shows. Interestingly, this is a reflection of the growth of this sector in Nigeria.
Unarguably, the entertainment sector is said to be the second highest employer of labour in Nigeria after agriculture. This entertainment industry is said to be employing over 60% of Nigerian youths especially those who study Performing Arts or other related disciplines.
It is on record that Big Brother Naija show parades young professionals, doctors, lawyers, teachers, and scientists who acquired their degrees from various reputable institutions across the world.
May I recall, for example, that among the 26 contestants who made it to the BBNaija house in season 6 ‘Shine Ya Eye’ was a lawyer, a medical doctor, a professional football player, a secondary school teacher, actor, musician, fashion designer, and undergraduate.
Sammie was an undergraduate and I could not follow up to ascertain whether he went back to complete his degree course. White Money who eventually emerged the winner of that season was a graduate, who did all kinds of menial jobs like hawking on the street, was an Okada rider, a plumber, and was into barbing. Princess was a foreign trained graduate but turned to taxi driving. Boma was a foreign trained doctor, Yerins was a successful actor, Jumoke (JMK) was a lawyer, Yousef a graduate of Electrical Engineering from UNIJOS, Angel dropped out from school in order to be in the BBNaija house. I hope she went back to complete her studies before coming back to the 2023 Season 8 All Stars Re Union.
This is the general trend among the youths as they seek greener pastures wherever and whenever.
Likewise, all the housemates of the 2024 season 9 are graduates in many different disciplines, some with a Masters.
3. GDP and BBNaija’s impact :
BBNaija reality TV show has a strong multiplier effect that resonates across industry and value chain with significant impact on Nigeria’s GDP. These gains that ultimately impact the GDP accrue for all sectors of the industry especially entertainment and telecoms, fashion, hospitality, tourism, media, foreign relations, education etc. comes with significant opportunities for both local and international brands reaching a continental and intercontinental – wide audience.
* According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the sectors of arts, recreation, and entertainment contributed #239 billion to Nigeria’s GDP in 2016.
* BBNaija alone remits at least #100 million in annual tax revenue to the government.
* A look at the rising trend of Nigeria’s GDP of which BBNaija is a major contributory factor indicates the following :
✓ $397.472 billion by 2019
✓ $440 billion by 2021
✓ $445 billion by 2022
✓ $450 billion by 2023
✓ 2024 is yet to be computed and will be available for the public as soon as possible.
4. Viable advertisement avenue for Brands :
By taking turns to sponsor prizes for the weekly tasks embarked upon by housemates, brands and products like Pepsi, Bet9ja, Innoson, Zaron, Guinness, WAW detergent, Magik detergent, Munchit, MoniePoint, HFM, Titus, PayPorte, Sketchers, Oraimo, Heritage Bank, Knorr, Aquafina, CloseUp, Oriflame, Oppo, Gulder, Betway, Darling Hair, Legend, Travel Beta, Lumapil Forte, Indomie, and a whole lot of others enjoy increased visibility, talkability, engagement and optimum exposure for their brands as millions of viewers across the globe tune in to watch the show daily.
The brands also benefit from the non-stop social media engagement by being associated with the show.
According to a report by ‘The Future of Work’, a data analytics, consulting and training firm, seven (7) brands had 206, 905 Twitter mentions in conversations bordering on the show. These advertisements translate to business boom for the brands, making these companies smile to the bank.
5. Employment and Economic opportunities :
According to a survey by Jobberman, Nigeria’s creative industry (2022) employed an estimated 4.2 million people, making it the second highest employer of labour after agriculture.
A show like BBNaija employs an array of camera men. According to sources from the organizers, the backstage making the work happen are way more than 100 crew members, over 50 cameras are placed in strategic locations, over 40 que ball cameras and several hand held cameras, several microphones to capture every activity, and pick up conversations no matter how discreet the housemates try to make it.
For effective delivery, a great lot of professionals like camera men, sound and video engineers, Electrical and electronic engineers and technicians, and production crew are employed.
Others include photographers, script writers, artists and artistes, content producers, directors, make up artists, costume and fashion designers, security personnel, drivers, carpenters, painters, interior designers, Disc Jockies (DJ’s), accounts and stores personell, laundry staff, house keepers and janitors.
With all these, BBNaija not only has a ripple economic effect, but the project is a big source of employment thereby reducing the massive rate of unemployment in the Nigerian labour market.
6. Vendors and service providers :
Every week contractors, vendors and allied businesses are contracted to supply necessities such as food, toilatories/sanitaries, drinks and beverages.
Others include wearables like clothes, shoes, jewelry, etc supplied and used by the housemates.
No doubt, BBNaija platform provides a ready market for entrepreneurs and those in these businesses.
7. Publicity and avenue for entertainers to create wealth :
Celebrities cease the opportunity of this show by advertising and showcasing themselves, their forthcoming performance/production, services, etc. Entertainers like Davido, 2baba Idibia, MI Abaga, Adekunle Gold and a host of others are beneficiaries.
Nigerian DJs are not left out from the rush to be a part of the visitors to the housemates. They include DJ Spinall, DJ Big N, DJ Kay Wise, DJ Lambo. Others yet to feature or ready for a return to the Saturday night party include DJ Switch who ran out of Nigeria for her life following her live reporting of the October 2020 ENDSARS massacre at Lekki Lagos, DJ Enimoney, DJ E Cool, DJ Neptune, DJ Tunez.
8. Long term effect of BBNaija on Nigeria :
The core objective of the BBNaija show has always been to give upcoming creatives and entrepreneurs a platform to showcase their skills and talents to the world.
With this stepping stone, a number of ex housemates have been engaged by reputable local and foreign organizations, some have gone to setup their own businesses, or scaled up already established brands.
This automatically makes them entrepreneurs thus becoming employers of labour, generating revenue and hence improving the economic landscape of Nigeria.
Apart from reducing the unemployment rate, it ensures the emergence of another crop of new entrepreneurs and brands.
At a creative entrepreneurs summit in 2019 tagged ‘Creative Industry in Nigeria : The emergence and Opportunities for Entrepreneurs’, the then Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Aisha Abubakar noted that the Nigerian creative industry had the fastest growth rate in the world.
SEVEN (7) MOST SUCCESSFUL EX BBNAIJA HOUSEMATES (AS AT 2023)
(1) Ebuka Obi Uchendu :
He is considered as the most successful ex housemate.
He was among the 14 contestants in the first edition of 2006 season 1, finishing in position no. 8.
Ebuka became the host of season 2 and had gone on to host all the subsequent seasons of the show.
Interestingly, Ebuka is one of the most sought-after comperes and TV hosts in Nigeria.
A lawyer by profession, Ebuka is a brand ambassador for various brands.
(2) Bisola Aiyeola :
She was in the house in season 2 and became the first runner up. While in the house she emerged winner of ‘One Campaign’ reality show which is an international Advocacy Organization for girl-child education with offices in London, US, Nigeria and other parts of the world. She has released a musical single, ‘Luchia’ under Temple Music. Bisola has won many international music awards, and in 2022 she became the first African to host ‘Family Feud’, a TV reality show organised by MTN.
3. Mike Edwards :
Mike is a CEO and a professional athlete who was in the ‘Pepper Dem’ season 4 where he emerged runners up second to Mercy Eke. Others in the finale of that season 4 include Frodd, Omashola, and Seyi.
4. Laycon :
Olamilekan Massoud Al – Khalifah Agbeleshebioba was the winner of season 5 of 2020.
Laycon broke a record, becoming the first housemate in the show’s history to reach a million followers on Instagram while still in the house. This was on 19 September 2020. He won the prize scoring a record of 60% of the total votes cast and went home with #85 million grand prize.
Laycon went on to release 3 musical albums. He headlined and sold out his first ever concert tagged iCON’S FEST at the 6000 capacity Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels Lagos.
5. Katung Aduwak :
Katung won the premiere (first) edition ie the Big Brother Nigeria reality TV show with a take home prize of $100,000.
After the show he proceeded to New York to further his education at the Digital Film Academy, graduating with a directorial degree. Thereafter he went into film making. Katung’s debut film ‘Heaven’s Hell’ was released in May 2019.
6. Mercy Eke :
She was the winner of season 4, becoming the first woman to win the show.
She is into acting and fashion design, and has signed endorsement deals and a brand ambassador.
She was back in the house for the 2023 season 8 All Stars Reunion, and if she had emerged the winner, she would have been the first person to win the prize on two (2) occasions.
7. Tacha :
Anita Natacha Akide fondly called Tacha participated in season 4. Tacha was disqualified because she assaulted fellow housemate Mercy Eke. She is into acting, and a brand ambassador.
TOP 5 RICHEST BBNAIJA HOUSEMATES OF ALL TIME (AS AT 2024)
(1) Kidwaya : the son of a billionaire father, Kidwaya was already born with a silver spoon. A CEO of a food company and others, his Net worth is #1.2 billion.
(2) Ebuka Obi Uchendu : a lawyer, Ebuka was a housemate in season 1 where he came a distant 8th position. He has been the host of BBNAIJA since from season 2 to date. He has endorsement of, and a brand ambassador to Globacom communication, MTN, and Guinness.
His Net worth is #950 million.
(3) Mike Edwards : a professional athlete, Mike is self made and was already a CEO before coming to BBNAIJA House. He has a Cigar manufacturing company in the US, and enjoys so many company endorsements.
His Net worth is #760 million.
(4) Tobi : He was an investment banker in Nigeria before becoming a housemate.
He is into acting and features in several film productions, with several endorsements with business brands.
His Net worth is #230 million.
(5) Whitemoney : real name is Hazel Oyeze Onu, winner of season 6 ‘Shine Ya eye’ 2021. He is into restaurant business, a song writer and singer.
His Net worth is #150 million.
TOP RICHEST BBNAIJA SEASON 9 (2024) HOUSEMATES FROM THEIR DAILY TASKS WINNINGS
(1) WANNI DANBAKI : from Southern Kaduna, twin sister of fellow housemate Handi. A Mass Communication graduate of ABU Zaria, a DJ and dancer.
Won a car from the Innoson task plus cash of #9.4 million.
(2) Kellyrae : real name is Oritsetimeyin Kingsley Sule of the Urhobo tribe in Delta State. He is husband to fellow housemate Cassia, and a graduate of Delta State University.
He earned #12.5 million.
(3) Victoria : Student with the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).
She earned #11 million.
(4) Ozee : one of the Mbadiwe twins whose brother was earlier evicted. A USA University graduate and Law graduate in Nigeria.
Has earned #20.2 million.
(5) Cassia – wife of Kellyrae and were married for 8 months with a daughter before coming to the house. She is a graduate of Delta State University.
She earned #10 million before she was evicted.
(6) Anita : a beautiful model, she has a Masters degree.
She earned #9.4 million.
(7) Ben : has a Masters degree from Afe Babalola University.
He earned #9 million.
(8) Topher – MTU student.
Earned #9 million.
(9) Ocee : one of the Mbadiwe twins. US University graduate and Law graduate in Nigeria.
Earned #8.2 million.
(10) Handi DANBAKI – twin sister of Wanni. A Mass Communication graduate of ABU Zaria.
Earned #8 million.
(11) Tjay – a Medical Doctor. Earned #8 million.
(12) Chizoba – earned #7.5 million.
BBNAIJA WINNERS AND PRIZES : 2006 – 2024
It is interesting to note that Ebuka Obi Uchendu was a housemate in the very first edition (2006) where he came position 8 out of 14.
A lawyer by training, Ebuka has been the host of the show since from Season 2 to date.
These are the winners :
(1) 2006 – winner – Katung Aduwak – $100,000
(2) 2017 – ‘See Gobe’ – winner – Michael Efe Ejeba – #25 million
(3) 2018 – ‘Double Wahala’ – winner – Miracle Igbokwe – #30 million
(4) 2019 – ‘Pepper Dem’ – winner – Mercy Eke – #60 million
(5) 2020 – ‘Lockdown’ – winner – Olamilekan Agbelishe(Laycon) – #85 million
(6) 2021 – ‘Shine Ya Eye’ – winner – Hazel Oyeze Onou(White Money) – #90 million
(7) 2022 – ‘Level Up’ – winner – Ijeoma Josephine Otabor (Phyna) – #100 million
(8) 2023 – ‘All Stars’ – winner – Ilebaye Precious Odiniya – #120 million.
(9) 2024 – ‘No Loose Guard’ – Winner – Oritsetimeyin Kingsley Sule (Kellyrae) – #100 million summed up as #60 million cash prize and a new SUV car valued at #40 million.
WHO WINS SEASON 10 of 2025 ?
Season 10 known as 10/10 premiered on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 July 2025, and is billed to run for 72 days. The total no. of housemates began with 29 made up of 14 female.
Winning prize is #150 million.
CONCLUDING REMARKS
Big Brother Naija has been a controversial entertainment phenomenon in Nigeria, Africa and at the global scene showcasing episodes in 9 Seasons from 2006 to 2024, and the on-going Season 10 of 2025.
It is a sit com not only for the young but also a pop culture of entertainment for the interested. From the shady confessionals to the dramatic and unexpected turn of events and revelations. From the hot and passionate love and romances to the twists and turns of jilted/broken agreements. From the trust and confidentiality of partnership to petty jealousies. From tears of sad emotions of the evictions to the joyful tears of triumphal victories.
At the end of the day, not only that people are entertained, but a lot more others smile to the bank, as some maintain their opposition to this reality TV show.
As we look forward to the conclusion of Season 10 let’s appreciate George Orwell’s creative writing skills put in his Classic Science Fiction novel titled ‘Nineteen Eighty Four’.
Peace 🙏
23/8/2025
