Senator Osita Izunaso, who represents Imo West (Orlu) Constituency of Imo State, has declared support for the Big Brain Naija reality television show and agreed to chair the project’s planning committee.

The senator, who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Capital Market and Institutions, made this known when the team members of the Big Brain Naija project paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja on Friday to acquaint him with the project.

The team members − Ossai Ilome and Kel Armstrong Amobi – briefed the senator on what the project was about, how it could help Nigerians, especially Nigerian youths, and how he could support it.

Ilome stated that Big Brain Naija − which was birthed by Nigerian South African-based businessman and technology enthusiast, Charles Awuzie – is designed to be a creative and intellectual reality television show that will capture the same demography that Big Brain (BB) Naija captures.

“The Big Brain Naija project seeks to harness the intellectual ability of Nigerians, promote our innovations and entrepreneurship, make the youths more competitive globally, and offer them the opportunity to network with people in their fields or industry of choices,” Ilome said.
Amobi told the senator that what they need from people like him and those in government is the political will to support the project.

“We understand that people like you do not have the money to sponsor projects like this, but if it comes, we will appreciate it. We need you to be the government face for this project and help us build networks and connections with others within the government circle,” Amobi added.

The senator acknowledged that the project was apt, given its relevance to the development of the youths and the country. He also suggested ways the show can be successful and impactful.

He stated that as a government official, even though the project is more of a private-sector programme, he will support it.

“Usually, when things like this happen, when the private sector puts their money in such projects, they will like to see a government face. If my face will be used, I do not mind because it is something I believe in.

“Someone like me can play the role of the chairman of the project. I can talk to private sector people. I can talk to Dangote. I can talk to many of them. In fact, if they see my name associated with the project, they will be interested in it. They will know that it is not a joke,” the senator said.

Charles Awuzie, the founder of Big Brother Naija, stated that Senator Izunaso fits into the picture of the leader they need to execute the project, adding, “With a leader like Senator Izunaso on the project expect the Who is Whos in the Nigerian capital market to queue in.”

According to Awuzie, other prominent Nigerians have keyed into or about to key into the project.

“Anyone who supports this project should be assured that you are part of the birthing of a national pride. Big Brain Naija will be the pride of the nation,” Awuzie added.
Other Big Brain Naija team members who visited the senator were Dr Kalu Kelechi, David Nwaenyi, Uchenna Kelechi, among others.