Entertainment
How Bad Economy, Unemployment Push Young Professionals To Entertainment
Analysts have described the unemployment, harsh economic realities and the surging inflation currently bedevilling Nigeria as the major reasons many Nigerian youths have resorted to seeking quick fame and fortune in the entertainment industry.
Research indicates that over 40 percent of Nigerian youths in the job market have dumped their professions to seek wealth on social media and most recently, in reality, television shows.
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.
They insist, Nigerian youths run to entertainment because of unemployment, poverty and economic challenges.
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.
But the entertainment sector is said to be the second-highest employer in Nigeria after agriculture, assimilating over 60 per cent of Nigerian youths who studied performing arts or other disciplines.
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.
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.
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.
Many hungry youths in Nigeria will kill for less.
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 secondary school teacher, actors, musicians, fashion designers and undergraduates.
These young professionals chose to abandon careers in their fields of study for the reality show in search of a better life for themselves.
Sammie, an undergraduate, may have judged the reality show a better option to secure his future since there are no guarantees of a job opportunity after a rigorous school system in Nigeria.
Sammie’s peculiar situation is one reason analysts say bad leadership, resulting in very harsh economic situations and unimaginable rates of joblessness for graduates have pushed youths into reality TV shows.
Some of the housemates say they are in the show to promote themselves, become popular and secure their future, claiming their university degrees cannot afford them such opportunities.
However, the likes of Boma, Yerins came on the show to gain popularity despite being a foreign-trained doctor and a successful actor respectively.
Another case in question is one of the newly introduced housemates, Jumoke, also known as JMK.
She is a 23-year-old graduate, who recently bagged a law degree, passed her law school certification exams but forfeited a grand Call to Bar to be in the reality show.
JMK’s presence in the big brother house means she has abandoned her six years in university and an additional one year in Law School to secure her spot at the reality show.
The young lawyer unabashedly told her fellow housemates that, “being a lawyer can wait but that BBNaija reality show cannot.”
Barring one’s liberty to change career paths, many believe Nigeria’s socio-economic problems and desire for quick wealth are the driving forces behind these switches.
Christy Atuegwu, a female lawyer, who reacted to JMK’s decision said she was disappointed to hear that a young lady chose reality TV over her call to bar after six years of study.
“One wonders what message this comment you say she made sends to younger folks who are aspiring to be in the law profession”, Christy said.
“It says a lot about Nigeria and our priorities” She maintained.
She, however, claimed there was no use to blame JMK for her decisions, explaining that there is always room for change in one’s career path in life.
Another contestant, Yousef, a graduate of Electrical Engineering from UNIJOS, barely surviving as a class teacher in a high school and now abandons that noble call for the more assuring benefits of the BBNaija show.
Even more confusing is the case of Angel who does not see any reason to waste her time in school and has dropped out serially or Sammie, who is still an undergraduate and may never return to school especially if he emerges winner of the reality show.
On the other hand, 29-year-old Whitemoney and Princess who are graduates came into the show to become successful as they had hustled and done menial jobs in the past to survive. Both contestants struggled to make the show because of poverty.
Whitemoney a graduate, said before entering the house, he had done odd jobs such as plumbing, barbing, selling in the streets of Kaduna and riding Okada while Princess, who was sacked from her job during the pandemic became a taxi driver to feed but quickly abandoned as soon as the reality show beckoned.
An education expert, Innocent Chukwuma, said the Nigerian system forced the professionals into entertainment, a life path they would not have chosen if the country was any better.
“This proves that education may be going extinct in the country since there’s just little or nothing to show for it after spending years in the university.
“Imagine searching for non-existent jobs while people like Lekan, Mercy or Miracle can make millions of Naira in less than four months in the Big Brother house” he said.
Entertainment
“The Legal Day” 2025: Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Moves to Promote French Via Law
In a bid to promote the French language through law and build bridges between communities the Alliance Française Port Harcourt, in collaboration with the Embassy of France in Nigeria has organized the 2025 edition of “La Journée du Droit” (“The Legal Day”)
The event which took place at Alliance Française auditorium was a civic and linguistic celebration designed to help learners of French Language and young citizens discover the importance of law in everyday life.

The Tide Entertainment reports that the event featured interactive quiz sessions, exploring legal rules and civic principles in Nigeria, France, Africa and beyond, pointing out both the similarities and differences between legal systems around the world.
Throughout the day, the event featured interactive quiz sessions exploring legal rules and civic principles in Nigeria, France, Africa, and beyond, highlighting both the similarities and differences between legal systems around the world.
The initiative was aimed at encouraging reflection on the rights and responsibilities shared by all citizens and to promote the values of justice, equality, and mutual respect through the French language.
The programme which had two sessions, (Morning and Afternoon session) witnessed the participation of about 150 students from various levels of education. Ranging from the Primary, Secondary, and tertiary institution for an engaging experience of civic and legal concepts.

Schools in attendance included Surebloom International School, Pleroma High School, Casterly Rock Secondary School, and TotalEnergies Port Harcourt School.
The morning sessions saw the Participation of Alliance Française students in an interactive quiz, enhancing their French comprehension while exploring civic notions.
While the Afternoon session had students from the University of Port Harcourt – UNIPORT (French Language and Law Departments), students from the French Department from both Ignatius Ajuru University of Education and Rivers State University joined in the final rounds of the competition.
According to the director of Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Mrs Marina Lacal, all quiz questions were presented in French, then translated into English to ensure full understanding by participants, saying that winners received special prizes, as all attendees took home souvenirs from the educational and convivial event.
Mrs Lacal said that the diplomatic and educational initiative event “La Journée du Droit” (The Legal Day) sought to promote the French language through law, highlight the capacity of law to build bridges between communities and emphasize law as one of the pillars of French diplomacy.
“Through this initiative, the Alliance Française Port Harcourt continues its mission to foster intercultural dialogue, civic awareness, and the learning of French as a language of knowledge, culture, and citizenship,”?she?added.
Entertainment
World Music Day: Alliance Française Port Harcourt Showcases Talents
The Garden City of Rivers State Port Harcourt at the weekend joined other parts of the world to celebrate the World Music Day, 2025, as Alliance Française showcases talents.
The event which is internationally known as Fête de la musique was held at cultural hall of the Alliance Française was a remarkable concert with memorable experience.
The event brought together music lovers, students, Artistes and members of the community For an exciting evening live performances and cultural exchange.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the world Music Day, which was created 1982 in France by the then Minister of culture, Jack Lang, ‘ Fête de la Musique’ is now celebrated in more than 100 countries every 21st June, marking the first day of summer with free concerts and musical showcases in public spaces.
In Port Harcourt, the Alliance Française honoured the tradition by spotlighting four(4) emerging artistes offering a platform to young talents shaping the city’s contemporary scene.
The audience enjoyed an unforgettable moments as they were entertained by the powerful performances from Preach A, who is known for blending fitness culture with spoken words and rhythm.
Also, artiste Emmayany delivering a vibrant fusion of afrobeat and afro pop. A singer, song writer and a performing artiste with a distinct sound.
Others were Amarachy Uko, a sensational singer with passion for soul , R&B, pop music and afrobeat.
While DJ Prospel closed the night with an energetic DJ set that got the entire hall dancing.
Earlier, the Director, Alliance Française, Port Harcourt Mrs Marina Lacal high lighted the mission of the Alliance Française saying that the event was more than a concert.
According to her, the event was put together by the Alliance Française to promote cultural diversity and foster artistic expression by connecting a long standing French tradition with creativity of the local music scene, adding that the event offerers an avenue for dialogue between culture and generations.
She stated that the event is used to promote professional and bring amateur artistes to limelight via the platform of the Alliance Française which is aimed at promoting the French Language through cultural heritage.
She explained that the celebration is also a broader series of Fête de la musique activities organized by the 10 Alliance Française across Nigeria in sync with concerts held in France and around the world simultaneously.
She further noted that the occasion reaffirms the role of Alliance Française as a cultural bridge, one where French heritage meets the pulses of Nigerian youth.
It would be recalled that no fewer than 19 artistes applied to perform at the event in Port Harcourt, but only four got approval for appearance.
Entertainment
PMAN Set To Implement Performance Levy ‘Tomorrow
The Governor of the Performing Musicians Employer’s Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Rivers State chapter, Comrade Moses Mabadeje popularly known as Mozy B said that the body has announced plans to implement performance Levy on artistes in the state with effect from 21st June.
This was carried in a statement released to The Tide Entertainment, yesterday by the Deputy Governor of the association, Comrade Abiye Howells.
According to the Governor, the announcement was made by PMAN, the only governing body that regulates the music profession in Nigeria, as authorized by the Government of Nigeria, in line with the Trade Union Act.
He stated that those affected by the Levy include (Non members)bands, groups, Hotels, Bars, lounges, Event Centres, show organizers, promoters and other stakeholders hosting events which feature live music performances within the State.
However, the Levy does not apply to members of the Performing Musicians Employer’s Association of Nigeria. (PMAN).
Comrade Moses Mabadeje, explained that this drive is aimed at financing the association and supporting the welfare and interest of musicians as outlined in Article 8 of the PMAN constitution as amended (2023). Consequently, a PMAN task force has been set up to enforce and swing into action to effect this move.
He further said that event organizers, promoters and owners of event centers are expected to comply with this regulation as the Governor has urged stakeholders to collaborate with the association to ensure the successful implementation of the levy and the peaceful co-existence between PMAN and Stockholders.
Nancy Briggs
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