Lagos — HITV, one of Nigeria's Satellite Televisions has concluded plans to introduce a reality show, Koko Mansion, to its viewers. Koko Mansion, according to the organisers, is a programme geared towards exhibiting the true qualities of a marriageable African woman.

The show, a concept developed by Dapo Oyebanji, (D'Banj), a popular musician, is centered on the activities of 12 young women living in a house (Koko Mansion) for eight weeks, where they will put to play the virtues of womanhood to please D'Banj. The show, slated to commence by June 1st, will run for eight weeks after which one of the 12 girls will emerge as the real Kokolette. Koko Mansion strives to correct the erroneous impression that a Kokolette is just the 'party girl' and project her as a truly responsible woman, capable of holding her own both at home and in public.

Briefing journalists on the programme last Friday, Morayo Aka-Bashorun, HiTV business development concerns manager, said the difference between Koko Mansion and other TV reality shows, is hinged on the fact that it strives to celebrate womanhood and the true qualities of an African woman. "Koko Mansion is different from other TV reality shows because it entirely celebrates womanhood and all it takes to be a true African woman. It extols our values, cultures and traditional roles of women in our society. The girls would be engaged in varied activities throughout the period of the show. D'Banj would not be living with them but would be required to come in often to see the girls," she said.

Aka-Bashorun corrected the impression that the show is all about D'Banj, stating that it is about highlighting the virtues of a true African woman any man would want for a wife.

"The show is not about D'Banj, but about the Kokolette. We are showing the virtues of a true woman that will appeal to an average man to marry. Though, D'Banj is single, young and rich who represents most eligible bachelors in Nigeria, his role would be to help viewers determine the right kind of woman a man like him craves for," she submitted.

The young ladies will be groomed in various home affairs and tested afterwards to determine the one that would imbibe koko virtues and worthy of being a wife. Some of the virtue to be looked out for in the girls, include cooking ability, ability to furnish and maintain the mansion, industry, being respectful, and courteous. These qualities would be put to test at all times during the show. The potential Kokolette must be able to emulate notable women in society such as Honourable Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Nike Osinowo among others, even as she shows the ability to impress D'Banj. Top celebrities such as super model, Oluchi, Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele, and celebrity hairstylist, Bobbys, would be invited to teach the ladies poise, mannerism and how to maintain a fashionable hairstyle. D'Banj would among other things, help the public determine who the winner should be, based on their ability to please him. The winner of the show will be emerging the most sought.

According to Aka-Bashorun, to be eligible to enter for the show, the girl must be, at least, 18 years of age, smart, intelligent, savvy and must possess the qualities of a wife material.

To give viewers the opportunity to enjoy the show, there will be no eviction in the first week; instead it would be a period of socialising and familiarisation for the 12 young ladies.

"In the house, there are no evictions in the first week. Weekly evictions begin from the second week till we have our final three ladies. Eviction is primarily done by the public and could be based on D'Banj's comments. Every week, there will be a talent show segment where each lady must showcase her talent to the viewers. Talent is an important criterion to be part of the show because it would serve as the platform for each Kokolette to become a celebrity in their own right after the show," Aka-Bashorun said.

According to her, each week, among the three ladies up for eviction, it would be D'Banj's prerogative to give KokoMycine (immunity) to one of the girls but he can only use KokoMycine once in the duration of the show. "The winner will among other benefits, be crowned Kokolette 1, and win a Chris Aires Diamond ring, brand new convertible car, feature in D'Banj's next music video, You Don Make Me Fall In Love alongside N5 million in cash. The winner will also have the privilege to be D'Banj's companion at public events both within and outside Nigeria.

Toyin Subair, Ceo of HiTV said Koko Mansion would emerge the biggest TV reality show in Africa, stating that they will play strictly by the rules of National Broadcasting Commission on nudity. "It is going to be the biggest reality show in this side of the world and that can only happen on the platform of HiTV. It is the mother of all reality shows, Koko Mansion. If the viewer is looking forward to that kind of show, he knows where to go. HiTV is a Nigerian company that abides by the rules set up by the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, so there is no way we can start promoting things that will not only offend the sensibilities of our valued subscribers, but also make us clash with the laws of the land."