Big Brother Naija Level Up housemate, Phyna, was presented with a brand new Innoson SUV and N50 million cheque for emerging winner of Season 7 of the reality TV show.

The winner of the show, which ended on Sunday, received the grand prize at an event in Lagos State on Tuesday.

In his remark, the Chief Executive Officer, MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe, congratulated Phyna and other housemates for giving the audience 72 days of premium entertainment.

He also appreciated the fans for giving the show a winner.

Ugbe said: Congratulations Phyna and immense gratitude to the housemates, real and fake, and the Riders for giving fans and viewers premium entertainment for the duration of the show.”

Speaking on the economic contribution of BBNaija, Ugbe disclosed that the Level Up edition provided 1,200 jobs, directly and indirectly, while the production cost amounted to N4.7 billion, which included licensing, modeling and marketing costs.

He added that the show received over one billion votes, with over N100 million worth of prizes won by housemates during tasks and N30 million won by 30 fans who locked down their favourite during the show.  

Ugbe added: “BBNaija is more than entertainment.

“It is renowned for its social and economic values.

“To date, over 14,000 people across various industries have worked on this show.

“This year, 1,200 people worked directly, including photographers, carpenters, interior decorators and fashion designers.

“The show contributes significantly to the economy.

“Also, housemates won over N100 million worth of prizes on tasks alone this year and 30 fans got to win N1 million each.

“BBNaija Season 7 is another record-breaking season with over a billion votes.

“We are proud of the support housemates got from viewers and fans.”

Receiving her prize, an excited Phyna appreciated the fans for voting for her and MultiChoice Nigeria for providing a platform to sell herself to the world.

She said: “I appreciate God first.

“It has been God all the way.

“Thank you MultiChoice Nigeria and the Big Brother Naija show for giving me this privilege, after four years of auditioning.

“The fifth year, I am here, as a winner.

“Thank you to everyone out there who voted for me and thank you to my fellow housemates.”

The Executive Head of Content and West Africa Channels, MultiChoice Nigeria, Dr. Busola Tejumola, praised Phyna for playing the game, and appreciated sponsors for making the show a success.

Tejumola said: “We are extremely proud to have created a platform that continues to entertain the viewers, celebrate the talent of the housemates, showcase the different expressions of our culture and contribute to the creative industry in Nigeria.

“Thank you Phyna for playing the game and contributing to delivering what is being called a season of premium content.

“To the other housemates: you were all winners from the moment you walked through Biggie’s doors.

“Our headline sponsor, Pocket by Piggyvest; Associate sponsor, Flutterwave; and tactical sponsor, Quidax, thank you for making magic with us this season.”

Tejumola enjoined viewers to look forward to even more entertainment with the introduction of new shows and programmes across DStv and GOtv channels in coming days.