All BBNaija Winners and Their Cash Prizes: (2006-2023)
When I think about reality TV in Africa, the first thing that comes to mind is Big Brother Naija (BBNaija). It’s more than just a show; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has captured the hearts of millions, myself included. Since it first aired, BBNaija has become a major talking point every season, with viewers eagerly discussing housemates, tasks, and of course, the all-important question: who’s going to win? The thrill of seeing ordinary people rise to fame—and fortune—is what makes the show so exciting. But what really stands out is the cash prize that comes with winning. Today, I want to take a stroll down memory lane and revisit all the BBNaija winners since the beginning, and more importantly, how much they took home.
BBNaija Winners Through the Years
Season 1 (2006): Katung Aduwak
Let’s start with the very first winner, Katung Aduwak, from the 2006 season. Back then, BBNaija was just starting, and not many people knew what it was all about. But by the end of the season, Katung had become a household name. What’s interesting is that the prize money back then was only N100,000. I know, it seems small compared to today’s standards, but at that time, it was a big deal! After his win, Katung didn’t just fade into obscurity. He used his BBNaija fame to dive into the film industry, where he’s been making a name for himself as a director and producer.
Season 2 (2017): Michael Ejeba (Efe)
Fast forward to 2017, after a long break, BBNaija returned with the “See Gobe” edition. This time, the prize money was much bigger—N25 million! Michael Ejeba, popularly known as Efe, was crowned the winner. His victory slogan, “Based on Logistics,” became a viral catchphrase across Nigeria. Efe didn’t just walk away with the money; he also ventured into the music industry. While his music career has had its ups and downs, he’s still pushing forward, showing that winning BBNaija can open doors, even if it’s not always a smooth ride.
Season 3 (2018): Miracle Igbokwe
In 2018, the show got even bigger with the “Double Wahala” edition. This time, Miracle Igbokwe took home the N45 million prize. What made Miracle stand out was his focus and determination—he wasn’t just in the house to entertain; he had clear goals. After winning, he stayed true to his passion for aviation. Miracle pursued his dream and became a certified pilot, showing that the BBNaija platform can be a stepping stone to achieving lifelong ambitions.
Season 4 (2019): Mercy Eke
Then came 2019, and with it, the “Pepper Dem” edition, which brought even more spice and drama. This season was especially significant because Mercy Eke became the first female winner in BBNaija history. She didn’t just win; she conquered, taking home a whopping N60 million. Mercy has since used her winnings to build a successful career in entrepreneurship and real estate. She’s also a major social media influencer, proving that BBNaija isn’t just about the prize money—it’s about leveraging the platform to create long-lasting success.
Season 5 (2020): Olamilekan Agbeleshe (Laycon)
The year 2020 was tough for everyone because of the pandemic, but BBNaija offered some much-needed entertainment with the “Lockdown” edition. Olamilekan Agbeleshe, better known as Laycon, emerged as the winner, bagging an impressive N85 million. Laycon’s story is particularly inspiring because he entered the house as an underdog and left as a superstar. Since his win, Laycon has focused on his music career, and he’s been doing incredibly well. His story is a reminder that BBNaija isn’t just about the money; it’s about the dreams it helps people achieve.
Season 6 (2021): Hazel Oyeye Onou (WhiteMoney)
Next up is the 2021 “Shine Ya Eye” edition, where Hazel Oyeye Onou, popularly known as WhiteMoney, captured the hearts of viewers with his vibrant personality and down-to-earth attitude. WhiteMoney walked away with N90 million, the largest prize at that time. Post-BBNaija, he’s ventured into music, business, and even acting. WhiteMoney’s journey shows that with the right attitude and determination, winning BBNaija can be the start of an exciting new chapter.
Season 7 (2022): Josephina Otabor (Phyna)
In 2022, the “Level Up” edition brought more twists and turns, and Josephina Otabor, also known as Phyna, emerged as the winner. She took home a staggering N100 million. Phyna was known for her strong personality and resilience throughout the show. After her win, she’s been involved in various entertainment projects, and her story is just beginning. Watching her journey unfold is a reminder of how much BBNaija can change a person’s life in an instant.
Season 8 (2023): Ilebaye Odiniya
And then there’s the most recent winner, Ilebaye Odiniya, from the 2023 “All Stars” edition. Winning N120 million, Ilebaye set a new record for the highest prize money in BBNaija history. Although it’s still early days, she’s already making waves in the entertainment industry, and I can’t wait to see where her journey takes her. Her win shows that BBNaija continues to grow, not just in popularity but also in the opportunities it offers to its contestants.
The Evolution of the Cash Prizes
Now, let’s talk about how the cash prizes have evolved over the years. It’s fascinating to see how the prize money has grown, reflecting the show’s increasing popularity. From just N100,000 in 2006 to a jaw-dropping N120 million in 2023, the prize has seen a tremendous jump. This growth isn’t just about the money, though—it’s a testament to how much the show has become a significant part of our culture. With more sponsors and a bigger audience every year, it’s no surprise that the cash prize keeps getting higher. It makes you wonder, how much will the prize be in the next few seasons?
The Impact of Winning BBNaija
Winning BBNaija is life-changing, to say the least. The cash prize is just one part of it. For many winners, BBNaija has been a launchpad for their careers, whether in entertainment, business, or other ventures. The fame that comes with winning can open doors to endorsement deals, brand partnerships, and countless opportunities. But it’s not all smooth sailing. Some winners have faced challenges, from managing newfound fame to making smart financial decisions. However, those who have been able to navigate these challenges often go on to build successful, lasting careers.
BBNaija Winners’ Post-Show Success
One thing that stands out when you look at the BBNaija winners is how they’ve used their platform for post-show success. For some, like Mercy Eke and Laycon, it’s about building a brand and expanding into different areas, from fashion to music. For others, like Miracle and WhiteMoney, it’s about pursuing their passions, whether it’s in aviation or business. Of course, there are challenges, but many winners have shown resilience, turning their BBNaija experience into a stepping stone for greater things. It’s inspiring to see how they’ve managed to stay relevant and continue to thrive long after the cameras stopped rolling.
Conclusion
Looking back at the journey of all the BBNaija winners, it’s clear that the show has come a long way. Each season brings something new, and the winners have all carved out unique paths for themselves. From Katung Aduwak in 2006 to Ilebaye Odiniya in 2023, the cash prizes have grown, and so have the opportunities that come with winning. As BBNaija continues to evolve, I’m excited to see what the future holds for the show and its contestants. What are your thoughts on this season? I’d love to hear who your favorite winner is and what you think the next season will bring!