The Big Brother Naija All Stars winner, Ilebaye Odiniya has opened up about her life and her time on the Big Brother Naija show, in this chat with The PUNCH.
Background
I studied Criminology and Security Studies, and I graduated in 2020. I am from a family of five, and I am grateful for where I am right now.
Big Brother Naija
When I got a call from Big Brother to participate in the Big Brother Naija (All Stars edition), I was excited. I don’t think there is anyone in their right senses that would decline such a wonderful opportunity.
I was excited to get the opportunity. I saw it as a second chance for me, because I took part in the Level Up season (2022), and I spent just three weeks on the show. I was not happy about that, but I felt God was preparing me for the journey ahead of me, and I accepted it.
I went into the house with the notion that people should believe in who I am, and also to showcase my talent and other things.
Toxicity
As regards former housemates saying that the BBN house was toxic, I will say that for one to go into the house, one has to be mentally okay and ready for whatever happens after the competition.
As far as I am concerned though, I feel it has to with the person involved. I don’t think the house was toxic. If anybody makes it toxic, then it is fine. It is the housemates who are in the house that determine whether it is good or toxic.
Victimisation
When Ike Onyema (a fellow ex-housemate) threw my clothes on the floor during the show, I would have still controlled my temper even if I was not on the show.
I would have asked him what I had done wrong to him that made him do such a thing to me. It was horrible for him to hurt me like he did, because I did not do anything to him. Now that the show has ended, we are on good terms. I have forgiven him.
Comparison
If I were to compare my experience during the Level Up edition and the All Stars edition, the major difference is that in the Level Up edition, I spent three weeks in the house, but I won the All Stars edition. That is what sets them apart. However, there wasn’t much difference in my experiences in both seasons.
Challenges
The fact that I got to meet other people, and I was the youngest in the house was challenging for me. I could not really adapt to their mentality (way of thinking), because they were all mature. So, whenever I spoke, they could not really understand where I was coming from. I was misunderstood a lot. Trying to understand them and see where they were coming from was quite challenging.
Friends
The ex-BBN housemate I am closest to is Doyin.
Memories
My most memorable moments on the show include when I won the grand prize, doing the arena tasks, and talking to Big Brother. Those were literally the best things, and I enjoyed them.
Also, the Saturday night parties, meeting new people, and trying to socialise, were memorable moments for me.
Fame
Fame has done some things for me. It has given me a family; I have a lot of fans. There are many people who love me for who I am. It has brought me good luck and so many opportunities. It has basically made me the star I am today.
Perception
Regarding the notion held by some people that I am from a rich home but was behaving as if I was from a modest background in the show, I will say that I was not being humble. I was just being myself in the house; that’s all.
Personality
I am a soft person.
Tithe
I don’t know why there was so much drama over my decision to pay my tithe to my church. I just want to do what will make me happy.
If one listens to other people, one might not move forward. Regardless of what one does, there will always be people who will disagree and have contrary opinions.
Right now, I just want to be me and think about my future. I don’t want to please people; I want to do things that will make me happy. I want people to see me and love me for who I am, and where I am coming from.
Pressure
I don’t really know how to handle the pressure that comes with fame. Before I went into the BBN house, I told myself that l had to be mentally ready for everything that would come.
I just have to keep things on the low and be able to adapt to whatever comes my way. Besides, I see anything that comes my way as what is expected. It is left for me to overlook things, including clashes and backbiting, and just focus on my future.
Projects
With my (N120m) prize money, I want to establish an orphanage. I also want to start a business, and invest in some other things.
But right now, I am just taking everything one step at a time. I am also still thinking of the perfect business to do and how to invest my money wisely.
Relationship
Right now, I am single. However, my ideal man is one who is intelligent, wealthy, private, and protects and loves his woman. In addition, he should be someone that does not cheat. I want someone that is not on social media, and who nobody knows anything about. I want my man to treat me like a baby that I am.
Cheerleaders
My biggest cheerleaders are my parents, sisters, brothers, and other relatives.
Fashion
My favourite fashion accessory is anything that is short, for the ‘Gen Z’ star that I am. I like looking very cute.
Beauty
I love taking care of my skin, and I drink a lot of water.
Relaxation
I sometimes unwind by listening to music. I also love to party at times, and undergo therapy.
Food
I like rice.
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Source: The PUNCH