BBNaija: How bad economy, unemployment push young professionals to entertainment

<p> Analysts have described the unemployment, harsh economic realities and the surging inflation currently bedevilling Nigeria as the major reason many Nigerian youths have resorted to seeking quick fame and fortune in the entertainment industry.</p>, <p>Research indicates that over 40% of Nigerian youths in the job market have dumped their professions to seek wealth on social media and most recently, in reality, television shows.</p>, <p>One could argue that the trend of young professionals choosing entertainment over professional careers is a reflection of Nigeria’s growth in that sector, unfortunately, many do not agree with this opinion.</p>, <p>They insist Nigerian youths run to entertainment because of unemployment, poverty and economic challenges.</p>, <p>In Nigeria, fresh law graduates earn as low as N30, 000 in wage, while many young doctors are unemployed at least until they leave the country to greener pastures.</p>, <p>But the entertainment sector is said to be the second-highest employer in Nigeria after agriculture, assimilating over 60% of Nigerian youths who studied Performing Arts or other disciplines.</p>, <p>A case in study is the Big Brother Naija show which parades young professionals, doctors, lawyers, teachers and scientists who acquired their degrees from various reputable institutions across the world.</p>, <p>While many claim the show is not the best example of morality for young Nigerians, others insist the over ninety days production, employs a vast majority of professionals in cinematography, thereby reducing the rate of unemployment by fractions.</p>, <p>Aside from the fame, fortune and popularity that will accompany participation in the ongoing BBNaija season six, tagged ‘Shine Ya Eye’, the winner of the show is assured of a whopping grand prize of $180,000 in this year’s event.</p>, <p>Many hungry youths in Nigeria will kill for less.</p>, <p>Among the 26 contestants who made it into Big Brother’s House this season, is a lawyer, a medical doctor, a professional basketball player, a