•The housemates
Big Brother Naija officially returned last night with the launch of its 11th season. Twenty-four contestants, who will compete over the next 72 days for a record grand prize worth ₦160 million, were unveiled.
Hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, the new edition is themed “Everything Is For The Taking”, also known as “Show Ya Sef”, and promises bigger rewards, fresh twists and a redesigned house as contestants battle for the coveted title.
The eventual winner will walk away with ₦100 million in cash and an SUV, making it the largest prize package in the history of the reality television franchise.
The premiere introduced viewers to contestants drawn from different professions and backgrounds, including entrepreneurs, lawyers, creatives, broadcasters, students, engineers and business owners, all hoping to outwit one another in the coming weeks.
Housemates
Among the first housemates to enter the house was Tram, a 24-year-old streamer from Lagos, who made it clear that his focus was winning the competition rather than finding romance.
He was followed by Temi Nkem, a 21-year-old model raised in London, who described herself as someone who lives life on her own terms.
One of the night’s biggest talking points came from Abi, a 25-year-old chef and model from Osun State, whose revelation that she is married quickly sparked reactions online.
Martins, a 30-year-old visual storyteller from Kogi State, also attracted attention after disclosing that he is in a relationship despite joining the show.
Other contestants include Chimsom Chuka, Keivo, Mercedes, Kamsi, Sultex, Aikou, Flora, Bells, Gerard, Oyin, Sheba, Araga, Ricky, Nomy, Barry, Neche, Yusuf, Goddessa, Bluethopia and Cassi.
Several housemates spoke about their plans and strategies ranging from forming alliances to embracing romance, while others insisted they would remain focused solely on winning the competition.
Beyond the contestants, this year’s edition also unveiled a newly redesigned BBNaija house featuring an “upside-down” concept with bold colours and luxury interiors intended to reflect the unpredictable nature of the season.
According to MultiChoice, constructing the house is a months-long undertaking involving concept development, design, sourcing and construction before an empty building is transformed into a fully equipped television production facility.
Located beside the live studio in Lagos, the house is fitted with 52 robotic PTZ cameras, seven handheld cameras, 59 microphones, 36 antenna blades and 19 speakers to enable uninterrupted coverage of activities throughout the season.
The organisers said the annual production employs more than 1,000 Nigerians, including engineers, carpenters, electricians, decorators, camera operators, technical crews, caterers and other support personnel.
The Executive Head of Content and Channels for West Africa, Atinuke Babatunde, said Season 11 builds on the programme’s legacy of authentic storytelling with higher stakes, new twists and a fresh mix of personalities expected to keep audiences entertained until the finale.
The launch generated immediate buzz across social media, with discussions centred on the contestants’ personalities, relationships and first impressions as viewers began predicting early favourites.
BBNaija Season 11 succeeds the 2025 edition, won by Imisi.
Full list of BBNaija Season 11 housemates
Tram – 24-year-old streamer from Lagos State.
Temi Nkem – 21-year-old model raised in London.
Martins – 30-year-old visual storyteller and model from Kogi State.
Abi – 25-year-old chef and model from Osun State.
Chimsom Chuka – 27-year-old pharmacist from Anambra State.
Keivo – 27-year-old web developer from Benue State.
Mercedes – 26-year-old massage therapist and concierge business owner from Delta State.
Kamsi – 24-year-old event planner from Imo State.
Sultex – 24-year-old dancer and choreographer from Lagos State.
Aikou – 25-year-old freelance teacher and web developer from Abuja.
Flora – 30-year-old make-up artist from Delta State.
Bells – 22-year-old undergraduate from Akwa Ibom State.
Gerard – 23-year-old from Lagos State.
Oyin – 22-year-old sales entrepreneur and model from Ogun State.
Sheba – Professional broadcaster.
Araga – 29-year-old fashion model.
Ricky – 33-year-old writer from Rivers State.
Nomy – 26-year-old fashion designer from Anambra State.
Barry – 26-year-old civil engineer and fashion designer from Abuja.
Neche – 25-year-old lawyer from Anambra State.
Yusuf – 25-year-old from Kogi State.
Goddessa – 30-year-old musician from Abia State.
Bluethopia – 22-year-old photographer and model from Adamawa State.
Cassi – 26-year-old forex trader and actor from Abia State.
