Big brother Naija known as BBNaija, is a Nigerian reality competition television series, which is based on the Big Brother television franchise, in which 12 to 21 contestants(housemates) live in an isolated house where they compete for a large cash prize. The 5th edition of The Big BrotherNaija is currently making waves in the country as housemates battle it out for the prize cash. However, not many could remember the first time the reality tv show aired in Nigeria. The maiden season of the reality show was first aired from 5 March to 4 June 2006, the show featured 14 contestants who competed for $100,000 prize money which was won by Katung Aduwak, while Sandra Osaigbovo and others came in as runners-up. 14 years after, many of the former housemates have since moved on with life, some into private businesses which have kept them out of the spotlight, while others remained in the limelight. Here’s a bit about what some of the 14 housemates have been up to 14 years after:
Katung Aduwak
The memories of winning the maiden edition of the Nigerian reality show will forever be fresh in Aduwak’s head. Born in Kaduna,
Katung proceeded to New York to get a degree from the Digital Film Academy. Now a film producer and director, Aduwak has worked on several projects. He produced and directed the movies Unwanted Guest and Heaven’s Hell. Currently, Katung is the Senior Channel Manager MTV Base and Executive Director at Chocolate City.
Ebuka Obi-Uchendu
Ebuka is with no doubts one of the most eminent faces on the entertainment scene since leaving the Big Brother House. Although he did not win the show, Ebuka went back to school for his master’s degree in Law. Ebuka has become a media personality of note, known for hosting several events and contributing to several online publications. He has been the host for the following seasons of the show up until the current one. He is more like the face of Big Brother In the country.
Maureen Osuji
Maureen opted for a career in the corporate world after the Big Brother Nigeria experience. She later proceeded to the Fashion Retail Academy in London for a degree in Fashion Buying Merchandising and Management. Now, she works as the creative director and independent buyer at Aurora Daniels.
Gideon Okeke
After leaving the house in 2006, Gideon has maintained a steady acting career. He featured in AfricaMagic’s Tinsel, the longest-running Nigerian soap opera, which got the attention of many and a number of feature films such as 93 days, A Place in the Stars, and When Love Happens. He has also hosted several TV shows and events and he is currently the CEO of a media outfit, AppleBox.
Francisca Owumi
Known as a fiery dancer during her stay at the Big Brother Nigeria House, Francisca emerged the first runner up, she is now a writer and singer, she has her own record label called Cisca Entertainment.
Sandra Osaigbovo
Known as ‘Sandy’, Osaigbovo finished fourth in the Big Brother Nigeria House. Sandra is now a certified fitness trainer and Zumba instructor. She is a Fellow at the Institute of Registered Exercise Professionals (IREP).
Frank Konwea
Known for his ‘loud-mouthed-ness’ in the house, Frank continued his career as a professional dancer, performing at several shows and concerts. He was also a judge on a popular dance TV show.
Big Brother is a platform of endless possibilities. It has catapulted people who were ordinary into super-stardom.