- It’s misplaced priority – Critics
Despite the economic hardship faced by several Nigerians, the viewers of Big Brother Nigeria, a popular reality show, have spent over N89.1 million to vote for their favourite housemates via Short Message Service between February 10 and March 15, 2018.
Figures obtained from BBN revealed that over 11 million people voted within the period under review and 27 per cent of them voted via SMS at N30 each.
To participate in the show, viewers need to vote to retain or evict their favourite housemates and there are three ways to do so; via online (mobile site, website) and offline (via SMS). The online platform is free, while the off-line’s, which is the SMS, costs N30 per vote.
However, critics have argued that the viewers of the show are suffering from what they described as ‘misplaced priority’.
A cleric, Pastor Dare Oladugba, said, “The programme adds no benefit to humanity and it is a waste of time and money for viewers that spent that much on it. A lot of Nigerians do not prioritise their needs as they waste the little they have on frivolities like investing your money on things that would only take from you and never add to you.
“Such a show is not supposed to be broadcast in such magnitude because of the obscene acts displayed by housemates of the show and it is painful that lots of Nigerians spent their money voting for housemates and encouraging such in the society.”
He also expressed worry that many children were on the streets begging, because there was no provision for free education for them, yet Nigerians were spending lots of money for some companies to boost their income and publicity under the guise of sponsoring such shows.
A teacher and counsellor, Mrs. Taiwo Ogunseye, said, “Why should people spend their money and time on such a show? Before you send SMS, ask yourself, what do you stand to benefit as returns on investment? If your answer is no, then spend your money on something else or dash someone.”
