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Big Brother Naija

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What ex-BB Naija stars wish they did differently

News25 July 2025
Away from Biggie’s watchful eye and the constant buzz of the game, five ex-#BBNaija housemates spill on moments they wish they could rewrite.
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Inside Biggie’s House, emotions run high, and decisions happen fast. There’s barely time to think, let alone reflect. But once the door closes behind them, many housemates are left alone with their thoughts, and the weight of hindsight. 

Ilebaye 

The ‘Gen Z baddie’, Ilebaye Odiniya, who reigns as the Big Brother Naija All Stars winner, reflects on her unforgettable journey through the Biggieverse with pride and zero regrets. 

"If I could turn back time, maybe I'd enjoy every moment to the fullest. But every emotion, every fun moment, every time I stumbled, and every silent moment taught me something. I walked in as a young girl who many doubted and walked out as a star who rewrote her own story. I wouldn't change a thing as it made my journey real and unforgettable"  

What’s one moment or decision you are proud of from your season?  

“Choosing to stay true to myself, even when it wasn't the easiest option. I didn't try to outshine anyone, but I just let my light speak. That decision to be authentic and grounded, even in chaos, was my proudest move. And, of course, being the crowned winner”  

How has life changed for you since your time on the show? 

"It's been a transformation. I went from being misunderstood to being deeply seen. I've grown not just in fame, but in purpose, clarity, confidence, and wealth. The show gave me a platform, but I found my voice and identity through it." 

Any advice you’d give to this season’s housemates? 

“Don’t lose yourself trying to be a version of what you think the world wants. The audience connects with real, raw, and honest. Play your game, have fun, enjoy every moment – but most importantly, own your truth. That’s what lasts. Thank you, Big Brother, for making me the star I am today.” 

Mercy Eke 

Doing it for the girlies, Mercy Eke was the first female to win Big Brother Naija. She reigned supreme in Pepper Dem season 4 and continues to live her life fully and proudly. 

“Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing. Every moment, both good and bad, shaped my journey and helped me grow. I stayed true to myself, and that authenticity is what connected me to the people who supported me then, and it still does now.” 

What’s one moment or decision you are proud of from your season?  

“Walking out as the first female winner of BB Naija is a moment I’ll always be proud of. It wasn’t just about the win, but it was about representing women, resilience, and the power of belief.” 

How has life changed for you since your time on the show? 

“It’s been a rollercoaster. The show opened so many doors for me. From brand deals to business ventures and everything in between. It also gave me a platform to express myself, inspire others, and build something for myself. Life has been busy, beautiful, and full of purpose.” 

Any advice you’d give to this season’s housemates? 

“Be yourself, completely and unapologetically. Don’t try to play a script. Just live in the moment, be present, and enjoy the experience. The audience connects more with realness. And remember it’s a game, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Own it.” 

Erica 

Queen Erica, who became a household name after her tenure on Big Brother Naija season 5, now looks back on her time in Biggie’s house as a powerful emotional reckoning. 

“If I we were to go back in time, I’d know that I’m powerful on my own – and I wouldn’t rely on anyone emotionally.” 

What’s one moment or decision you are proud of from your season?  

“I prayed instead of being intimidated by some very vocal opposition at my final Head of House games – and then went on to win.” 

How has life changed for you since your time on the show? 

“I became rich and gained control of my career choices – but only after consistently working with numerous brands.” 

Any advice you’d give to this season’s housemates? 

“Life inside the house is cool, but it’s your plans for life after the house that truly shape your career and financial success.” 

Pere  

Big Brother Naija Shine Ya Eye finalist Pere Egbi, who boldly returned for the All Stars season, says if he could turn back the hands of time and rewrite his story, he’d seize the chance again with open arms and a fearless heart. 

“While I stand by my decisions and how I played the game, I’ve come to understand the weight of how something is done, not just why. In both seasons, especially in my first, my approach was driven by structure, discipline, and mental clarity. I treated it like a chessboard. What many didn’t see was that I wasn’t just reacting, but I was calculating, staying calm under pressure, and conserving emotional energy, but in doing that, I didn’t always let people see the other sides of me. The guy who cracks jokes, the guy who loves music, the guy who plays guitar and piano – and who listens to Kirk Franklin to stay centred. The side of me that’s creative, warm, silly, and even goofy at times. I regret not allowing more of that to come through.”  

What’s one moment or decision you are proud of from your season?  

“One moment that stands out is how I held my own during an altercation in the house. That was a flashpoint moment in the season, and people picked sides, and narratives were spun – but for me, it was never about aggression. It was about the tension that had built up over time. I’m proud of how I stayed composed and didn’t let the chaos pull me completely out of character. Beyond that, what I’m most proud of is how I remained grounded throughout the game. I didn’t fake alliances. I didn’t pretend to be what I wasn’t. I gave people consistency. I was intentional in every relationship and in every conversation.” 

How has life changed for you since your time on the show? 

“The show changed everything. It gave me a platform but also brought heavy scrutiny. A lot of people misunderstood me; one saw arrogance where there was confidence, and some saw detachment where there was quiet reflection. It’s been a journey learning how to live with that public lens, especially in a country as passionate as Nigeria.” 

Any advice you’d give to this season’s housemates? 

“Be real, but more importantly, be self-aware. The house is a pressure-cooker, and it will expose everything from your strengths, your insecurities, and your blind spots. Don’t perform for the cameras because the audience can smell that a mile away. And don’t try to be the next “fan-favourite”. Play the game but remember there’s a world waiting for you after the house.  Finally, be ready for the unexpected. The highs will come, and so will the backlash. But if you’re rooted in purpose, you’ll ride the wave without losing yourself.” 

Liquorose 

Big Brother Naija season 6 housemate Roseline Afije, famously known as Liquorose, recounts her time in Biggie’s house, saying every choice she made was a stepping stone to the powerhouse she’s become in the world. 

“I don’t think I’d do anything differently. Everything I did in the house led me to the woman I am today, and I’m proud of my growth both as a person and as a personality.” 

What’s one moment or decision you are proud of from your season?  

“Our first week wager win was very personal to me, especially because my fellow housemates allowed and approved the story I came up with and supported me all the way. Trust me, I had butterflies in my stomach all week, and Big Brother’s remarks at the end were a win for me on that day.” 

How has life changed for you since your time on the show? 

“It’s been great – most of it!” 

Any advice you’d give to this season’s housemates? 

“Make sure to enjoy, keep focus, and have a great experience.” 

Big Brother Naija seasons may come and go, but one thing’s for sure – the impact lingers. These five housemates didn’t just play the game. They were shaped by it through pressure and growth – and emerged with clarity, strength, and stories that will outlive the cameras.  

Big Brother Naija S10 premieres on July 26 and July 27 on Africa Magic Showcase, Family and Showmax at 19:00 WAT (20:00 CAT). Watch live 24/7, on DStv Channel 198GOtv Channel 49, and on Showmax. Follow us on XInstagramFacebook and Tik Tok for all the gist. BB Naija season 10 is proudly brought to you by our Gold sponsor Guinness Nigeria.