Lai Mohammed orders the closure of Big Brother Naija season 5 for fear of Spreading COVID-19 disease among Housemates
Lai Mohammed, Minister of information and culture has asked the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to take Big Brother Naija (BBN) off the air.
Lai Mohammed expressed fears of a possible spread of COVID-19 disease among housemates as his reason.
It could be recalled that on Wednesday, Armstrong Idachaba, acting director-general of the NBC, told senior management members that he had been directed by the Minister to shut down the show, TheCable reported.Lai Mohammed reportedly wanted the letter shutting down the show to come from the NBC because of the general opinion that he is bent on sending MultiChoice Ltd, producers of the show, out of Nigeria.
However TheCaple reported that insiders told TheCable that the NBC management was not well disposed to the move to shut down BBN, with some of them saying there was no basis for it.
A director is said to have reminded the meeting that NBC had already sought explanation from Multichoice on a possible violation of COVID-19 protocols with the airing of the show.
The letter was sent on July 1, before the show began.
MultiChoice replied with detailed explanations on measures taken in collaboration with the Lagos state government, whose agency, Lagos State Safety Commission, gave the green light for the show.
If NBC yields to the directive of Lia Mohammed, season five of BBN will be the first edition of the reality show to be shut down barely two weeks from commencement date.
Lai Mohammed expresses Concerns Over the wellbeing of BBN Housemates
Shutting down the show might generate lots of controversies from different quarters especially fanatic fans who have already pinked their favourite housemates and ready to stake all within their reach in supporting their chosen fan to succeed in this edition.
At this critical period, It is pertinent to watch out for the body languages of both NBC and Multichoice in regards to the new order from the Information Minister.
There’s no doubt that COVID-19 pandemic has come to stay till vaccine to contain the deadly disease is discovered, it is better to stay safe as much as possible as large gatherings are the most possible means of contacting the virus.
Recalled that Big Brother Naija (season 5) also known as Big Brother Naija: Lockdown is the fifth season of the Nigerian version of the reality show Big Brother.
It was premiered on 19 July 2020 on DStv channel 198 and GOtv channel 29.
Ex-housemate Ebuka Obi-Uchendu from season one returned as host.
Big Brother however ushered in 20 housemates on Sunday evening, July 19, 2020.
The winner of this year is expected to walk home with N85 Million Naira as grand prize.
The during for BBN season 5 is billed to last for 92 days and the reality show has Nigeria as its country of origin.
BBN season 5 Housemates, Names, Age and Occupation
1. Ezekiel Bright ” Brighto” Osemudiame, 29 years, Sailor
2. Dorothy Bachor, 29 years, Entrepreneur
3. Eric Akhigbe, 24 years, Student, Fitness enthusiast and bodybuilder
4. Ngozi “Erica” Nlewedim, 26 years, Actress, Commercial Modeller
5. Kate “Ka3na”, 26 years, Entrepreneur
6. Aisha Umaru, 25 years, Entrepreneur.
7. Teaser Kiddwaya, 27 years, self employed
8. Olamilekan ” Laycon” Agbeleshe, 26 years, Singer, rapper
9. Boluwatife “Lilo” Aderogba, 23 years, Entrepreneur/ Dietitian
10. Lucy Essien, 30 years, Entrepreneur.
11. Rebecca “Nengi” Hampson, 22 years, Entrepreneur.
12. Emuobonuvie “Neo” Akpofure, 26 years, Ride-hailing app driver
13. Ozoemena “Ozo” Chukwu, 27 years, Consultant and Entrepreneur
14. Nelson Enwerem Prince, 24 years, Modelling, fashion designer and interior decorator
15. Praise Nelson, 28 years, Dancer
16. Tochukwu Okechukwu Tochi, 28 years, Rapper, real estate agent.
17. Tolani ” Tolanibaj” Shobayo, 27 years Media Personality
18. Timmy Sinclair “Trikytee”, 35 years, Creative Artist, Storyteller.
