'Big Brother Nigeria' on air for first time

The first ever series of Big Brother Nigeria has gone on air.

Twelve contestants will spend up to 91 days in the house, in the hope of winning a $100,000 prize. Previous series of Big Brother have caused much controversy in Africa, with Malawi taking 2003's Africa-wide show off air, calling it "immoral."

Big Brother Africa winner Cherise Makubale advised contestants: "Don't hold back, but always remember, it is a game and somebody other than you wants to win it as well."

"If the Nigerian movies are anything to go by, I think it will be very interesting," she added. "I am definitely looking forward to it."

CONTESTANTS

Male
Chinedu, 24, self-employed
Ebuka, 23, lawyer
Frank, 29, dancer
Gideon, 22, graduate
Joseph, 32, flight attendant
Yinka, 26, musician

Female
Chem, 21, student
Francisca, 21, student (pictured)
Helen, 25, student
Ify, 29, entrepreneur
Joan, 24, student
Maureen, 23, student