Big Brother Naija a money-spinning reality television show launched in 2006 has shot several young Nigerians into spotlight through their participation in the month-long contest in an in an isolated house.
The show has produced seven proud winners since its debut 17 years ago.
It was stopped by the organisers after the first edition in 2006 and returned to the screen in 2017.
In this piece, we look at the past winners of the contest, their exploits during the show and life thereafter.
- Katung Aduwak
Kaduna State-bon Aduwak won the premier edition of the BBNaija show in July 2006.
Aduwak, 26-year-old at the time, went home with a cash prize of $100,000.
After the reality TV show, he travelled to the United States for further studies at the Digital Film Academy and graduated with a directorial degree.
He later went into filmmaking.
The former reality tv star released his first movie titled: “Heaven’s Hell” in May 10, 2019.
Aduwak also directed a short film exposing the conflict between African Americans and the African diaspora, titled: “Not Supposed to be Here” in 2020.
He is married to Raven Taylor-Aduwak and has a son.
- Michael Ejeba Efe
Affectionately called Efe, the Delta State-born singer won the winner of Big Brother Naija season 2 in April 2017 and smiled home with a cash prize of N25 million and a brand new Kia Sorento SUV, among others.
Shortly after his success in reality show, Efe was appointed an ambassador of entertainment and creative industry by the Plateau State government.
A university of India appointed him as its African Ambassador in 2018.
He is presently a songwriter and rapper.
- Miracle Igbokwe
The Imo State-born model won the Big Brother Naija Season Three on April 22, 2018 and got a cash prize of N25 million, a Hyundai SUV, and a trip to an exotic location for two people.
A few days later, he was appointed the state education ambassador by ex-governor Rochas Okorocha.
Igbokwe graduated from an aviation school in the United States in 2019 and he is currently an aircraft pilot.
- Mercy Eke
Eke was the first woman to win the reality TV show.
Following her success in the contest in October 2019, the Imo-State born housemate became an ambassador and influencer for various brands, including Ciroc and Mr. Taxi.
She made her debut in the Nollywood in 2020 and featured in a movie titled: “Fate of Alakada.”
Eke has also appeared in short comedy skits alongside a few Nigerian comedians.
She is currently featuring on the Big Brother Naija All Star reality show.
The 33-year-old has also launched her own clothing line MNM Luxury.
- Olamilekan Agbeleshebioba
The housemate who is popularly known as Laycon won the competition in September 2020 and went home with the grand prize of N85 million.
The 29-year-old was the first housemate in the show’s history to reach one million followers on Instagram while still in the house.
Laycon was appointed the youth ambassador by the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on October 6, 2020.
He was installed as Akeweje of Ipokia Kingdom by Onipokia of Ipokia, Ogun State, Yisa Adesola Olaniyan, on January 3, 2021.
The Ogun State-singer had his first-ever concert tagged: “ iCONs FEST at the 6000 capacity Eko Convention Center in Eko Hotels, Lagos, on December 28, 2021.
- Hazel Oyeze Onou
Whitemoney as the songwriter is called by admirers won the sixth edition of the Big Brother Naija in 2021 and took home N90 million for his endeavours.
He is one of the housemates taking part in the Eight Season of Big Brother Naija All Stars which started in July.
- Ijeoma Josephina Otabor
Phyna real name Ijeoma Josephina Otabor won the Big Brother Naija in October 2022 and became the second female winner of the reality TV show after Mercy Eke.
The Edo State-born engineer pocketed the N100 million grand prize for her exploits in the house.
She had since signed endorsement deals with various brands, including Rixariskinskinscrets and Speedy weightloss.
Adegboyega Shobiye
Copy Editor
News Dept., Union Television
LiDa Broadcasting Systems
