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Big Brother Naija officially returned on Sunday night with the launch of its 11th season. Twenty-four contestants, who will compete over the next 72 days for a record grand prize worth ₦160 million, were unveiled.

Hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, the new edition is themed “Everything Is For The Taking”, also known as “Show Ya Sef”, and promises bigger rewards, fresh twists and a redesigned house as contestants battle for the coveted title.

The eventual winner will walk away with ₦100 million in cash and an SUV, making it the largest prize package in the history of the reality television franchise.

The premiere introduced viewers to contestants drawn from different professions and backgrounds, including entrepreneurs, lawyers, creatives, broadcasters, students, engineers and business owners, all hoping to outwit one another in the coming weeks.

Housemates

Among the first housemates to enter the house was Tram, a 24-year-old streamer from Lagos, who made it clear that his focus was winning the competition rather than finding romance. He was followed by Temi Nkem, a 21-year-old model raised in London, who described herself as someone who lives life on her own terms.

One of the night’s biggest talking points came from Abi, a 25-year-old chef and model from Osun State, whose revelation that she is married quickly sparked reactions online.

Martins, a 30-year-old visual storyteller from Kogi State, also attracted attention after disclosing that he is in a relationship despite joining the show.

Other contestants include Chimsom Chuka, Keivo, Mercedes, Kamsi, Sultex, Aikou, Flora, Bells, Gerard, Oyin, Sheba, Araga, Ricky, Nomy, Barry, Neche, Yusuf, Goddessa, Bluethopia and Cassi.

Several housemates spoke about their plans and strategies ranging from forming alliances to embracing romance, while others insisted they would remain focused solely on winning the competition.

Beyond the contestants, this year’s edition also unveiled a newly redesigned BBNaija house featuring an “upside-down” concept with bold colours and luxury interiors intended to reflect the unpredictable nature of the season.

According to MultiChoice, constructing the house is a months-long undertaking involving concept development, design, sourcing and construction before an empty building is transformed into a fully equipped television production facility.

Located beside the live studio in Lagos, the house is fitted with 52 robotic PTZ cameras, seven handheld cameras, 59 microphones, 36 antenna blades and 19 speakers to enable uninterrupted coverage of activities throughout the season.

The organisers said the annual production employs more than 1,000 Nigerians, including engineers, carpenters, electricians, decorators, camera operators, technical crews, caterers and other support personnel.

The Executive Head of Content and Channels for West Africa, Atinuke Babatunde, said Season 11 builds on the programme’s legacy of authentic storytelling with higher stakes, new twists and a fresh mix of personalities expected to keep audiences entertained until the finale.
The launch generated immediate buzz across social media, with discussions centred on the contestants’ personalities, relationships and first impressions as viewers began predicting early favourites.

BBNaija Season 11 succeeds the 2025 edition, won by Imisi.

Full list of BBNaija Season 11 housemates

Tram – 24-year-old streamer from Lagos State.

Temi Nkem – 21-year-old model raised in London.

Martins – 30-year-old visual storyteller and model from Kogi State.

Abi – 25-year-old chef and model from Osun State.

Chimsom Chuka – 27-year-old pharmacist from Anambra State.

Keivo – 27-year-old web developer from Benue State.

Mercedes – 26-year-old massage therapist and concierge business owner from Delta State.

Kamsi – 24-year-old event planner from Imo State.

Sultex – 24-year-old dancer and choreographer from Lagos State.

Aikou – 25-year-old freelance teacher and web developer from Abuja.

Flora – 30-year-old make-up artist from Delta State.

Bells – 22-year-old undergraduate from Akwa Ibom State.

Gerard – 23-year-old from Lagos State.

Oyin – 22-year-old sales entrepreneur and model from Ogun State.

Sheba – Professional broadcaster.

Araga – 29-year-old fashion model.

Ricky – 33-year-old writer from Rivers State.

Nomy – 26-year-old fashion designer from Anambra State.

Barry – 26-year-old civil engineer and fashion designer from Abuja.

Neche – 25-year-old lawyer from Anambra State.

Yusuf – 25-year-old from Kogi State.

Goddessa – 30-year-old musician from Abia State.
Bluethopia – 22-year-old photographer and model from Adamawa State.

Cassi – 26-year-old forex trader and actor from Abia State.

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Former Big Brother Naija housemate, Seyi Awolowo, has said Nigeria’s educational aspirations should have progressed beyond what he described as the “Akara and Kulikuli” stage, urging the country to focus on innovation and artificial intelligence instead of survival-driven thinking.

Awolowo, while appearing on Vanguard’s Nigeria Meter Podcast, said the world is rapidly advancing in artificial intelligence, with countries such as China and the United States competing for global leadership, while Nigeria has yet to establish its place in the innovation race.

According to him, businesses such as selling akara and kulikuli were once associated with petty traders, but the country’s educational and economic development should have created greater opportunities for people to aspire beyond them.

“KuliKuli and Akara, while I was growing up, were businesses for petty traders. There should have been an upgrade,” he said.

Awolowo questioned why Nigeria is still preoccupied with issues of basic survival at a time when other nations are investing heavily in cutting-edge technology.

“We are entering the AI race right now, where we are seeing the way China and America are going back to back with innovation. Where is our own? Why are we thinking of Akara and KuliKuli?”

He argued that the country’s educational system should have reached a point where citizens are encouraged to think beyond subsistence-level ambitions and compete in knowledge-driven industries.

“Why have we not crossed an educational threshold where KuliKuli and Akara are still in the frame? Why does it seem that some people are being kept in a box where they cannot grow further than that because of what they think or see?”

Awolowo also linked the issue to Nigeria’s political culture, saying politicians often appeal to voters through food and other material incentives instead of presenting ideas that promote education, innovation and long-term economic growth.

According to him, this dependence on “stomach infrastructure” has become a dominant feature of electioneering in the country.

“So, when it is now election season, they think of how to give people this or that because they are the ones that would come to vote. It seems that stomach infrastructure is the major means of campaign,” he said.

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Veteran Nollywood actress Ngozi Nwosu has made an emotional appeal to Nigerians and well-wishers for financial assistance, revealing that she urgently needs ₦30 million to undergo life-saving surgeries.

The celebrated actress, known for her outstanding performances in several Nollywood productions, pleaded with the public not to allow her health condition to claim her life, saying the funds are critical to securing the medical procedures recommended by her doctors.

In a heartfelt appeal, Nwosu expressed hope that compassionate Nigerians, friends, colleagues, and fans would come to her aid by contributing towards the cost of the surgeries.

The actress, who has previously battled serious health challenges, said she remains optimistic that with the required medical intervention and public support, she can recover and continue pursuing her passion in the entertainment industry.

Her appeal has since sparked reactions across social media, with many fans and members of the Nollywood community expressing sympathy and calling for urgent support to help the veteran actress receive the treatment she needs.

Supporters have described Ngozi Nwosu as one of Nollywood’s respected veterans whose immense contributions to the Nigerian film industry deserve recognition and assistance during this difficult period.

The appeal comes as concern grows over the welfare of aging actors in the Nigerian entertainment industry, with many calling for stronger support systems to cater to veteran performers facing medical and financial challenges.