The organisers of the television reality show, Big Brother Naija season 7, have declared that over N4.7 billion was invested in the production of the show.

John Ugbe, Chief Executive Officer, MultiChoice Nigeria, disclosed this during the prize presentation to the winner of the “Level Up” edition, Josephine Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, on Tuesday in Lagos.

Phyna emerged the winner of the show as she walked away with N100 million grand prize.

The grand prize comprises N50 million, a new SUV from Innoson Motors, a Dubai trip for two, a year supply of Pepsi, new techno phone-Camon 19, supply of Unik soap and supply of home appliances from Nexus among other mouth-watering items.

Ugbe also said that over one billion votes were cast in the course of the show.

He commended the housemates for giving premium entertainment during the show as he also appreciated the fans and the media for their continued support.

“N4.7 billion was invested into the show, that is the cost of production of the season 7 show, we also had over one billion votes throughout the show.

“Big Brother Naija show is more than just entertainment, it also reflects social and value creation, the show has empowered over 1,200 people, cutting across fashion designers, carpenters, interior decorators, photographers and more.

“Today, this show contributes significantly to the Nigerian economy,” he said.

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Earlier, Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content, West Africa Channels, Multichoice Nigeria, said that it was fulfilling investing over N4.7 billion in the production of the show.

Tejumola said that the show had created a platform for display of viable talents, job creation and individual Nigerians to fulfil their dreams and aspirations of attaining fame.

She said having recorded over one billion total votes for the Level Up season, it attested to the fact that the fans of the show were fully engaged with premium content.

Tejumola appreciated the winner of the show, Phyna and other housemates, saying they presented premium entertainment in the course of the show

“We started this journey of over 40,000 applications during the auditioning process, we are proud to have once again delivered another amazing show.

“Congratulations Phyna for emerging the winner, I want the other housemates to know that they are equally winners since the beginning of the show.

“Every season of the Big Brother Naija show brings a well thought out creative game play, unique personalities, dramas, intrigues, fun and excitement.

“The engagement generated this season has been phenomenal, from fan base to social media conversations and media coverage,” she said.

The Star