However, in a related development, some Nigerians have expressed their shock over the choice of housemates in the ongoing fourth season of the Big Brother Naija reality show.
News Agency of Nigeria reports that the season kicked off on Sunday with 21 housemates, most of whom some viewers have described as “more foreign than Nigerian.”
Respondents said that it was puzzling how Manchester-based Mike, London Police Officer Khafi and Ike, who said this was his first time in Lagos, made the cut while thousands of Nigerians, who flooded audition centres in February didn’t.
NAN recalls that audition centres across the country were crowded with people struggling to get into the venue.
See reactions:
@Omojuwa said, “I have a problem with everyday Nigerians struggling across the country to audition for this thing, yet it appears they stood no chance from the beginning.
“That should have been made clear to them from the start. Big Brother Phonetics. It appears this is Big Brother Nigeria Diaspora.”
@BabaRoyan tweeted, “Too much handpicking! Connection is the main thing to strive in Nigeria! While The main people who went for the audition were selected to become #BBNaija NINJAs.”
@Ibidunmary said, “I said it to someone all those people jumping fence, crossing hurdles to make it to the audition none of them is in the house, all these ones are imported.”
@DesmondAyotunde wrote, “I doubt if most of these contestants in the house really participated in the audition.”
Meanwhile, Instagram sensation, SimplyTacha who was the last housemate announced on Sunday, has remained a strong talking point for viewers as she was recognisable from several audition clips.
@DrOlufumnilayo said, “If truly Simply Tacha is in the house this year, then that’s a smart move by the organisers.
“She is a game winner. I won’t be surprised at all if she makes it to the Top 3. Mark this tweet.”
@Morlimoore tweeted, “The lady has got what it takes to keep attention on her. She has been using that to fuel her hustle. I equally believe she’ll make the top 3, she would keep giving the people what they like to see.”
NAN reports that housemates will spend 99 days in the house, competing for the grand prize worth 60 million Naira.