22-year-old Ilebaye Odinya’s life changed drastically last Sunday as she became N120m richer after winning the Big Brother Naija (All Stars edition). Though many felt she was able to secure victory by playing the victim and attracting the pity of viewers/voters, she has said that was not the case.
In an interview with Saturday Beats shortly after being presented with her prize, she said, “I did not use any strategy (to win the game). The only strategy I used was to pray to God. I never imagined that I would win the competition.
“During my first participation on the show (in 2022), I spent only three weeks. When I realised that they were bringing stars (for this season), I thought I would last for a maximum of three weeks. I did not know I would be the winner.”
Asked if she had any regrets about her time in the house, Ilebaye said, “The only regret is that I wish I danced very well at the parties. But, there was so much fun and adventure in the house. So, I really don’t have any regret.”
On what lessons she learnt being on the show for the second time, she said, “I have learnt never to underestimate myself. One should always believe in oneself, no matter the outcome. Even if one had failed before, one should never give up. One’s time will always come.”
The reality TV star also stated that the ‘Gen Z baddie’ tag means ‘having so much life’. She added, “It is basically telling everybody I am young. It is a call for young people to be seen and loved.”
She also stated that she had not yet come to terms with winning the show. She said, “I have just been overwhelmed and staying in my room, trying to think and feel the emotions of being the winner. I have not really gone into details of what is going on in the world now. But, I am sure is all love and light; no hate.”
Ilebaye, who stated that her next step was to build her empire and start her future with the N120m, maintained that she did not regret kissing Cross in the house. She said, “No, I don’t regret anything I did in the house. I kissed him because I wanted to. I don’t regret it at all.”
