The ingenuity of Payporte, the official sponsor of Big Bother Naija and all the parties involved has paid off. At the onset, it looked hard to make a success out of the show that was abandoned 10 years ago, after its debut season in Nigeria. But against all odds, its popularity is improving by the day.
The ongoing show is regarded as the most popular Big Brother competition ever aired on Nigerian television because of the high level of engagement, voting and followership.
While Nigerians are still in shock by the revelation of Big Brother Naija’s host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, that the show generated 11 million votes just last week (per vote costs N30 via SMS), there is another fresh development. State government are now canvasing for their ‘children’ openly.
In the news, it has been reported that the Rivers State Ministry of Culture and Tourism had initiated campaign for Marvis Nkpornwi, one of the housemates of the ongoing Big Brother Naija.
In a letter, which was dated 3/4/2017 and signed by Michael Ejiohuo on behalf of the Rivers State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, “The Rivers State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, wishes to use this medium to appeal to the good people of Rivers State to stand behind their daughter, Miss Marvis Nkpornwi. Our daughter is from Onne, Eleme in Rivers State.
“By special grace of God, she has moved to the final stage in the BIG BROTHER NAIJA house competition. Let us give her all the support she needs to make Rivers State proud…”
The Governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson, has erected a billboard in the state to support another housemate, Bisola.
Similarly, an aide of the Delta State Governor, Ovie Success Ossai, who has been criticising the reality show since inception, recently ate his words. For the sake of Efe, another housemate, he said he would vote.
He stated, “You know I have kicked against the BBNaija from the onset, but right now, I am ready to vote for Efe. Though I am not a lover of the show, I am optimistic that Efe will win.
“Efe from all indications and the comments coming out from Nigerians, it is like the young boy has succeeded in capturing everyone’s mind. His determination has earned him votes upon votes and I see him winning the Big Brother Naija contest.”
From being subjected to different criticisms by the public and government officials, the BBNaija reality television show seems to have win the attention of all and sundry. Although millions of Africans across the continent tune in to watch the show daily, only Nigerians are allowed to vote. And the votes are coming in plenty.
Presently, the show has divided the social media space. Unless there is a major upset, the battle for grand prize is between Bisola, TBoss and Efe, the last man in the houses. Their supporters, through various means of propaganda, have taken the contest to Facebook, twitter, Instagram and other online platforms. They’ve even opened WhatsApp and BBM groups for different housemates.
Celebrities are not left out in the contest as well. Comedian AY, Olamide, MC Shakara, Kcee, Funke Akindele, Fathia Balogun, Annie Idibia and SolidStar have openly canvassed for Efe. TBoss has the support of Uti Nwachukwu, Adekunle Gold, Linda Ejiofor, Beverly Osu, ex-BBA Africa winners, Dillish and Idris, Ivie Okujaye, Beverly Naya and Mike Godson. Bisola has the support of Iyanya, Mofe Duncan, Padita Agu and many more.
As it is now, the only set of people that has not been caught canvassing for housemates publicly is the presidency. I am aware that there are more pressing issues facing the presidency than BBNaija and it is hard for President Muhammadu Buhari or Vice President Yemi Osibajo to pay attention to such show. But if Dickson could erect a billboard to support Bisola, I do not think there is anything impossible.