Media Team
Ex-Big Brother Naija contestant Adekunle Olapade has raised alarms about the financial struggles many former housemates face post-show, despite the program’s massive popularity across Africa.
Highlighting the absence of a structured career path after the reality TV experience, Olapade stated, “BBN remains Africa’s largest reality show, yet Nigeria lacks a sustainable ecosystem for its stars—leaving many in financial distress.”
He attributed this issue to the country’s underdeveloped reality TV culture, where fleeting fame rarely translates to lasting opportunities.
On social media, he elaborated: “Most contestants enter the show hoping for a life-changing break, not as a side hustle. Very few had stable careers beforehand—so when the spotlight fades, they’re left with no safety net.”
The discussion sparked debate online, with some arguing participants should return to previous professions. Olapade countered that unrealistic expectations and limited post-show support exacerbate the problem.
This concern follows recent remarks by activist Deji Adeyanju, who questioned whether BBN winners truly receive promised prizes, citing instances where champions allegedly ended up worse off financially.
