Nigerian version of the most talked about reality TV show in Africa returns this year with season 4. The Big Brother Naija show will be taped in Nigeria this year after filming two seasons (2 and 3) in South Africa. Speaking at a media launch held yesterday, January 15, to unveil the fourth season, General Manager, Sales and Marketing for Multi Choice Nigeria Martin Mabutho, explained that hosting it in Nigeria will still give the show its global standard. He said, "From a cost perspective, it is always good to share the Big Brother House in South Africa where all the African franchise of Big Brother can make use of the house. Now, we are at the vantage position of hosting the show in Nigeria and that gives the global standard for which the show is known for. The Big Brother house is currently under construction and will be ready before the kick off." The show not only has a new host nation, but also a fresh headline sponsor Bet9ja, taking over from Payporte. Olufemi Osobajo, Marketing Manager for the betting company disclosed, "Our core value in Bet9ja is changing lives of the Nigerian youth. We believe the bet ticket holds more power in changing the lives of the youth and Big Brother Naija has done the same thing changing lives of the youth in all the editions of Big Brother. This is why we are supporting." Season one alum, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu will return as the show's host for the third time and auditions will be held in eight different cities across Nigeria (Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Warri, Ibadan, Benin and Enugu). Individuals above 21 years old are only eligible to apply for auditioning, which kick starts on Friday, February 1 to Saturday, February 2. Written by: Larry Adams