MultiChoice Nigeria, the organisers of the Big Brother Naija show has announced that over 30,000 Nigerians have been auditioned for the show billed to kick off on Sunday, July 19.
Speaking at a virtual media parley on Thursday, the Chief Customer Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria, Martin Mabutho, said that due to the restrictions induced by the COVID-19 pandemic, this season held online auditions with a record 30,000+ Nigerians. “This is the highest number of auditions we have ever received in the history of the show,” he said.
The parley, hosted by this season’s sponsors, Betway and Guinness, also had in attendance the Executive Head of Content MultiChoice Nigeria, Busola Tejumola; Channel Director, Africa Magic, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu and the show host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu.
Also speaking, Wangi reassured the press that the organizers are working in tandem with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and following strictly the guidelines laid down to ensure the highest level of safety.
She reiterated that it is in the show’s format for housemates to go through extensive health checks before proceeding into the house, saying such is even elevated at this time due to the COVID-19.
“The Big Brother show lends itself to a certain level of quarantine, seamlessly integrating into the COVID-19 guidelines,” Wangi said.
The organisers noted that potential housemates are currently in quarantine ahead of the July 19 premiere.
“They will be monitored whilst in quarantine until they are deemed fit health-wise. Anyone that shows signs of ill health, will as expected not be a part of the show.”
The Big Brother House, according to the organisers, has also been disinfected and won’t be accessible to anyone till July 19 when the housemates make their way into the house heralding the start of the show.
MultiChoice Nigeria says they are committed to keeping all BBNaija season five participants safe and healthy, adding that there will be no live audience at the Sunday Night Eviction Shows and no unexpected celebrity visits to the House too.
Viewers are therefore urged to stay safe at home to enjoy this year’s BBNaija on DStv channel 198 and GOtv channel 29.
