Human rights activist and political commentator Deji Adeyanju has stirred online discussion after questioning why most Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) winners appear financially unstable despite the huge prize money attached to the show.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Adeyanju expressed doubt over whether winners truly receive the full ₦120 million prize announced each season. His comment came shortly after the conclusion of BBNaija Season 10, which crowned Imisi as the latest winner.
“Do they really give BBNaija winners the prize money? The reason I’m asking is because many of them end up looking extremely broke thereafter,” Adeyanju wrote.
Public Reactions and Debate
The remark has sparked heated reactions online. Some fans agreed with Adeyanju, pointing out that several past winners seem to fade from the spotlight or struggle financially within a short period. Others argued that the issue may not be with the show itself but rather with poor financial planning or lack of long-term investment by the winners.
A Look at Past BBNaija Winners
Since its debut in 2006, Big Brother Naija has produced several winners who went on to pursue various careers in entertainment, business, and media:
- Katung Aduwak (2006) – the pioneer winner.
- Efe (2017) – pursued a music career.
- Miracle (2018) – became a pilot and entrepreneur.
- Mercy Eke (2019) – first female winner, now a top influencer.
- Laycon (2020) – built a successful music career.
- Whitemoney (2021) – active in hospitality and entertainment.
- Phyna (2022) and Ilebaye (2023) – young winners known for their bold personalities.
- Imisi (2024) – the newest champion now under public watch.
While some winners have managed to stay relevant, others seem to lose their financial footing quickly, giving weight to Adeyanju’s observation.
The conversation continues as Nigerians question both the transparency of BBNaija prize payments and the financial literacy of reality TV stars who rise to fame overnight.
