The internet is already awash with a plethora of pictures across various cities; pictures of countless Nigerian youths who had throng the venues of the Big Brother Naija auditions, chancing their arms in a proven Nigerian path to glory. The size of the crowd at the various centres was one thing, but the palpable desperation of the hopefuls was the real headline.
In the wake of the auditions, many have criticised the youths for getting their priorities wrong. The acolytes of reason argue that the youths should be ashamed of themselves for prizing a show that teaches nothing so highly. Some even went on a diatribe to accuse these teeming youths of not having their permanent voters cards, yet being pumped up for an 'immoral' show. It was a validation of the toga of 'lazy youths' bequeathed by the president, at least in the minds of these cynics.
First, there is a malady with the high-handeness and moral high horse from which some Nigerians look at others on matters such as this. There is almost a resort to sheer condescending of the rest of us who hold a contrary unpopular view on matters such as this.
The reality is that the Big Brother Naija show is a proven template of how to 'make it' in our country. You only need to look at the likes of Ebuka, Bisola, Tobi to mention but a few, to realize why BBNaija will attract such popularity among youths. It is also an easy template. The show is a reality show and truth be told that phrase 'reality show' is wholly. It can mean anything. The creative benchmark required to get into the house is minimal, the intellectual strength demanded is next to zero. Simply put, you can waffle your way through. What's the prize? Huge! For starters, it's a three month getaway with free food and accommodation. Then there is the unlimited 'airtime' you get on T.V. In an age when social media has fully taken the reigns of fame, this is priceless. In addition, there is the small matter of winning 45 million naira (or whatever it will be this year). If these are not enough incentives to 'kill' oneself at the audition centres, I don't know what can be.
However, to fully understand why BBNaija will provide such appeal for many youths, we need to situate it in the larger societal context. Ours is an economy on its knees with unemployment numbers at an all time high. Hardship pervades the streets and hunger has become a Nigerian citizen. Hence, it is foolhardy to be an arbiter in these circumstances. For many youths, it is about a way out, an escape route and something to clutch on to. The Nigerian dream is 'hustle' and it is a case of the end justifying the means. It is fine for one not to be interested in the BBNaija show but to dismiss it entirely is to be incongruous with the truth and simply playing the 'high ground.' The truth is that there are hardly any alternatives for millions of youths. People in jobs or in other ventures should not be quick to label others as 'lazy' and 'not hardworking' who are not as lucky. As Chinua Achebe once said, 'Those whose kernels were cracked by benevelot spirit should not forget to be humble.' It is true that some youths are outrightly lazy, but it is even truer that many are hardworking. The odds are simply against the latter.
For those who argue that BBNaija is a show with no iota of decency and teaches nothing, there is a reason why the remote comes with an avalanche of buttons. I personally believe that the show teaches alot but hey, must everything we watch on T.V teach something? What is wrong with it just being an entertaining show. The BBNaija show will continue to split opinion, but he who comes to this argument must be ready to do so with an open mind.
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