By Esther Kainebi-Daniel
The sum of N5.5 billion was spent on organising the just-concluded Season 8, the ‘All-Stars’ edition of the the reality TV show, Big Brother Naija (BBNAIJA), Multichoice Nigeria has disclosed.
The Executive Head of Content and West Africa Channels, MultiChoice Nigeria, Busola Tejumola, made the disclosure on Tuesday in Lagos, during the prize presentation ceremony to the winner of the show, Ilebaye Odiniya. According to her, over 2,000 individuals were employed to execute the show, adding that the show generated over 1.53 billion voters across all regions. “This year, we have backed this commitment up with a total investment of N5.5 billion, covering the costs of production, construction, fittings, technical, licensing, satellite, and marketing in the production of this season of Big Brother Naija. And of course, there is the direct impact of over 2000 individuals employed to bring this project to life.
“As Africa’s most loved storyteller, we are proud to be part of creating opportunities for growth for the youth in their quest to build great futures. This year Biggieverse was opened as Big Brother invited into it your favourite All-Stars 20 game players, four house guests, nine Jury members and 12 Wager Task Judges and the parrot who all together delivered a riveting show that kept us all entertained for 71 days,” she said. Tejumola described the All Stars edition as a season of love rekindled, new friendships, settling scores, comedic moments, a fantastic showcase of talent and a battle for dominance.
She commended the lead sponsor of the show, MoniePoint Microfinance Bank and the associate sponsor, HFM Online Trading, for partnering with MultiChoice to deliver a Biggieverse of pure entertainment. The Executive Head also appreciated other sponsors of the show, saying: “In this 20th year of Africa Magic’s operations in Nigeria, we thank you for choosing to make magic with us. Thank you, our loyal viewers for your love and support that sustains the conversations around all our productions.”
“Congratulations Baye, the resident GenZ Baddie on conquering Biggieverse and emerging the winner of the very first Big Brother Naija All-Stars Season. Our commitment to showcasing the best in sporting, and entertainment and telling uniquely authentic indigenous stories remains unwavering,” Tejumola added.
For winning the show, Ilebaye, was presented a cheque of N120 million and the key to a new SUV, Innoson Ikenga from Innosons Motors. Expressing her excitement over her victory, the self-acclaimed GenZ baddie thanked MultiChoice, her family, fans and fellow ex-housemates.
“I want to thank Big Brother, my family, sponsors, the host of the show, supporters and people who did not sleep to ensure the success of the show. I promise to make you all proud and make good use of the money,” she said.