The President of Africa’s Young Entrepreneurs (A.Y.E,), Mr Summy Francis has called on the Federal Government to censor the Big Brother Naija TV Show to avoid loss of societal values.
Nigeria-born Francis made the call in a statement in Lagos on Friday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the third edition of the Africa’s biggest reality television show started on January 28 at 7pm Nigerian time, with 20 housemates contesting for the ultimate prize of N45 million.
Viewers on DStv can watch the show on Channel 198, while GOtv viewers can tune in to Channel 29.
NAN also reports that A.Y.E, with headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa, facilitates intra-trade among African entrepreneurs in 19 countries.
The entrepreneurship network group has more than 12 million pan-African members.
Francis claimed that the show, being hosted in South Africa and viewed by millions of Nigerians online and on satellite television, would promote immorality and laziness.
According to him, the show preaches moral decadence instead of empowering the youth with entrepreneurial skills and morals.
“It is showcasing immorality.
“To the youth, that kind of show means that they don’t have to develop their skills before getting money.
“How then will the country compete with developed country? How do we tackle unemployment?
“What future are we setting for our children?” he asked.
He advised banks and other sponsors of the programme to consider investing in value-added projects and proposals lined up for unemployed youths in Nigeria.
“A.Y.E., as an organisation will not tolerate immorality and contents that will be of no value to Nigerian youths in particular, and African youths in general.
“I urge the Nigerian government to look into such a programme so that we do not lose our sense of humanity and culture,’’ he said.
Francis urged parents and religious leaders to discourage such a programme, saying that Nigeria needed programmes that would develop entrepreneurial skills of its youths and promote societal values. (NAN)
