For many years, Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) has been a cultural phenomenon in the nation. The program has established itself as a mainstay of Nigerian entertainment and popular culture.
The franchise has long entertained viewers with everything from shady confessionals to romantic dramas and heartbreaking evictions.
Contrary to popular belief, a group of businesses rather than a single person owns the beloved program. The Banijay Group of Companies, which produces entertainment in more than 20 countries, currently owns BBNaija, though it is said to have changed ownership a few times since the TV show’s inception.
The Group also produced popular fictional global hits like Peaky Blinders, Mr. Bean, and Black Mirror in addition to reality television hits like Keeping Up With The Kardashians and Survivor.
Despite being the current owners of the popular reality TV franchise, the Banijay Group of Companies did not create it. John de Mol Jr. founded the reality program.
The owner, a Dutch billionaire who will be 67 in 2022, built his fortune as a TV producer and media tycoon. The Voice and Fear Factor, two well-liked American reality programs, were also produced by him.
Chukwuebuka Obi-Uchendu, a lawyer and media personality from Okija in Anambra State, Nigeria, is the famed host of the program.
