Prof. Eugene Nweke of the Ebonyi University on Wednesday advised the organisers of the Big Brother Naija (BBN), a reality television show, to include tasks that would enhance national development in its activities.
Nweke, Dean, Faculty of Administration and Social Sciences in the state-owned university, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki.
The don, who lauded the organisers of the programme, said that the show could offer more to the country and African continent, in terms of national development if properly harnessed.
Nweke, therefore, called on the organisers to include tasks that would avail the housemates to speak on roles and benefits of youth participation in electoral system, the adoption of e-voting among others..
He said: “I am calling on the organisers of the Big Brother Naija, in view of the large audience with the high concentration of youths, to include tasks that will address nation building issues.
“These include youths’ participation in the electoral system, campaign against corruption and the promotion of sustainable development not only in Nigeria but in the African continent.
“Since the programme has a very wide audience and viewed across the continent, it will serve as an avenue to highlight nation building issues, in addition to other gains or tasks the housemates are performing.
“The election management body can learn from the e-voting system process used by the audience, to determine the winners and advance our electoral system.
“Also, if youths, who are there as participants in this reality television show can speak on the ills of election malpractice, corruption and other social vices, it will serve as a fulcrum to promote good governance in the country and sustainable development in Africa.”
