Organisers of the just concluded television reality show, Big Brother Naija, “Level Up” Season 7, have revealed that the production of the show gulped over N4.7 billion.

This was made known on Tuesday in Lagos, during the prize presentation to the winner Josephine Otabor, popularly known as Phyna.

The 25-year-old walked away with N100 million grand prize, comprising N50 million, a new SUV from Innoson Motors, a Dubai trip for two, a year supply of Pepsi, new techno phone – Camon 19, supply of Unik soap, home appliances from Nexus among other mouth-watering items.

According to John Ugbe, Chief Executive Officer, MultiChoice Nigeria, over one billion votes were cast in the course of the show.

He commended the housemates for giving quality entertainment during the show, while also appreciating the fans and the media for their continued support.

“N4.7 billion was invested into the show, that is the cost of production of the season 7 show, we also had over one billion votes throughout the show.

“Big Brother Naija show is more than just entertainment, it also reflects social and value creation, the show has empowered over 1,200 people, cutting across fashion designers, carpenters, interior decorators, photographers, and more.

“Today, this show contributes significantly to the Nigerian economy,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content, West Africa Channels, Multichoice Nigeria, said that it was fulfilling investing over N4.7 billion in the production of the show.

The show also recorded over one billion total votes for the Level Up season, which attests to the fact that the fans of the show were fully engaged with premium content.

Tejumola said that the show had created a platform for the display of viable talents, job creation, and individual Nigerians to fulfill their dreams and aspirations of attaining fame.

She appreciated all the sponsors for joining Multichoice Nigeria to create a platform that contributes to entertaining the world, showcasing the talents of housemates, and contributing to the growth of the creative industry in Nigeria.

While congratulating the winner of the show, Phyna, and other housemates, she revealed that the journey began with over 400, 000 applications.

“We started this journey of over 40,000 applications during the auditioning process, we are proud to have once again delivered another amazing show.

“Congratulations Phyna for emerging the winner, I want the other housemates to know that they are equally winners since the beginning of the show.

“Every season of the Big Brother Naija show brings a well thought out creative gameplay, unique personalities, dramas, intrigues, fun, and excitement.