Nigerian Big Brother Housemate Wins with 51% of the Votes

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – As the world commemorates the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, the ONE Campaign, today, announced that Melvin Oduah from Nigeria has won the African Union (AU) video competition that housemates of Big Brother Africa: The Chase participated in during this year’s Charity Week. Melvin’s video calls on the AU and African governments to end energy poverty on the continent.

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed on 17 October every year, following a 1993 United Nations General Assembly resolution that designated the day to promote awareness of the need to eradicate poverty and destitution in all countries.

Melvin’s message follows a collaboration between Big Brother Africa and ONE during the show’s charity week, which took place from 5^th – 9^th August, 2013.  As part of the week, housemates undertook a series of tasks centred on educating viewers about the most pressing poverty issues facing the continent, while highlighting possible solutions. Each housemate also taped a short video message calling on the AU to do more to eradicate extreme poverty on the continent.  Viewers then voted on the best video using Big Brother Africa’s online platform.

A total of 82,474 Big Brother Africa viewers from across Africa participated in the voting where Melvin emerged the winner with 42,170 votes representing 51% of the vote.

Commenting on the video, Dr. Sipho S. Moyo, ONE’s Africa Director said:

“We, at ONE, are immensely grateful to Mnet and the BBA housemates for using the charity week in the BBA house to highlight the critical poverty issues affecting our continent. No doubt, the dedication and commitment they showed had the impact inspiring millions of their viewers to join the fight against extreme poverty. Melvin’s message supports this year’s call to action for the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, which is to raise awareness about the fight against poverty and the need to accelerate action to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. It is, therefore, exciting to have African youth taking a lead on continental issues and to have the AU and the world listen.”

Reacting to the news, Melvin, who was present at the function, said he was elated that his video was chosen as the one to be presented to the AU, but said that he will only have a sense of fulfillment when he sees the demands being put into action.

“During charity week I was surprised to learn that, not only can extreme poverty be virtually eliminated, but we can actually do it by 2030 if we get our priorities right. This is why I am excited to do my part by, personally, making this call on the AU to do more to eradicate extreme poverty.  I hope others will join the movement by becoming members of ONE,” he said.

Melvin’s video highlights the problem of energy poverty, which affects at least 70% of African citizens. This severely hampers life-saving hospital services including refrigeration of vaccines, job and educational opportunities, agricultural production as well thesafety and security of women and girls. Energy poverty is just one of the pressing issues for which ONE is campaigning in the fight to end extreme poverty in Africa.

Note to Editors:        

1. About The Winner – Melvin is an actor, model and presenter from Delta State, Nigeria. He was born into the family of Mr. & Mrs. Johnny Oduah. Melvin has a twin sister, and his two, younger siblings also happen to be twins.

Melvin holds a BSc in Chemistry from the University of Port-Harcourt. He did his secondary education at the Lagos State Model College Kankon, Badagry, Lagos.

Melvin is a multi-talented youth with several awards to his credit including the Nigerian Model Achievers Awards (NMAA), most promising model of the year as well as TAVA awards for his role in a sitcom, HAPPY FAMILY.

Melvin enjoys listening to Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross and R Kelly.

2. bout Big Brother Africa : The Chase – Season 8 of Big Brother Africa, The biggest reality show in Africa, was dramatically titled The Chase. 28 housemates from 14 countries chased after the US$300,000 cash prize, which was won by Namibian Dillish Mathews. For 91 days, Africa’s biggest reality series screened live 24/7 on DStv channels 197 and 198 while GOtv audiences were able to see highlights. Namibian Dillish won he prize oney at the Grande finale which took place on 30th August 2013.

3. About ONE – ONE is a campaigning and advocacy organization of more than 3 million people taking action to end extreme poverty and preventable disease, particularly in Africa. Co-founded by Bono and strictly non-partisan, we raise public awareness and work with political leaders to combat AIDS and preventable diseases, increase investments in agriculture and nutrition, and demand greater transparency in poverty-fighting programs.

ONE is not a grant-making organization and does not solicit funding from the public or receive government funding. ONE is funded almost entirely by a handful of philanthropists and foundations. We achieve change through advocacy. Our teams in Washington, D.C., London, Johannesburg, Brussels, Berlin, and Paris educate and lobby governments to shape policy solutions that save and improve millions of lives.