The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has criticised the Big Brother Naija reality show, saying it misrepresents the goodness and integrity of the Nigerian youth.
Oba Ogunwusi made this call when he received delegates of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) in his Ile-Ife palace in commemoration of the International Youth Day on Wednesday.
The monarch described the youths as Nigeria’s untapped immeasurable wealth and resources.
According to him, the youths have misplaced their priorities and there is the need for more of their participation in leadership.
“Nigerian youths are fond of accusing and abusing our leaders. Stop abusing them, contribute your own quota. Let’s wear our thinking caps and begin to act like the real future leaders that we are.
“In the last general election, the total number of votes cast was around 27 million while over 170 million people voted during the 2019 Big Brother Naija reality show.
“This is a practical reality of who Nigerian youths are and where our priorities lie as Nigerians.
“The funny side in all of these is that we still go to bed, have a good sleep and wake up with the hope to meet a Nigeria we didn’t create. Nigerian Youths! Nigerians Youths!! Nigerians Youths!!!” the royal father lamented.
However, in place of the Big Brother Naija show shich has always drawn criticism every year, the Ooni suggested an alternative reality show, which according to him will project the country’s values, cultures and traditions.
While urging leaders of the NYCN to work out plans on Big Brother Naija’s replacement, which will be called, ‘The Big Nigeria Reality Show’, he said the show would help the participants and also give viewers access to people that can be seen as role models.
“The proposed show will be structured in a way that young professionals, talented individuals and others across several fields of endeavour will be showcased and helped to reach their peak,” Oba Ogunwusi submitted.