Big Brother Naija Winners
Since the first season of Big Brother Naija aired on March 5, 2006, fans have met hundreds of housemates, many of whom have become big names and gone on to achieve great things.
It all began with Katung Aduwak, who was the first housemate to win the $100,000 grand prize. Since then, we’ve seen many winners, including the first ever female winner, and the reality show has only grown in popularity over time.
To date, five ordinary Nigerians have won Big Brother Naija, and their lives have gone from nothing to superstar. As the show’s organizers prepare to launch the sixth edition, naijmobile.com sought down every winner since Katung Aduwak to discover what they’ve been up to and how successful they’ve become.
Big Brother Naija Winners: Who Is The Most Successful Of Them All?
1. Katung Aduwak
Katung Aduwak, who was born on March 21, 1980, won the first season of Big Brother Nigeria in 2006 and took home $100,000. He is a scriptwriter, producer, and director who hails from Zonkwa, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
Following the reality TV show, Aduwak went to the Digital Film Academy in New York to complete his study. He went into filmmaking after graduating with a directorial degree.
He’s worked on productions such as “Heaven’s Hell,” which starred A-list Nollywood performers and famous musician Waje. His other work was a short film called “Not Supposed to Be Here,” which focused on the tension among Black Americans and Africans abroad.
Katung Aduwak is married to Raven Taylor-Aduwak, and the couple has a son together. He and his family have relocated to another country.
2. Michael Efe Ejeba
After its first season, the reality show took a break and resurfaced after 11 years. This time it was rebranded ‘Big Brother Naija’.
The edition launched on January 22, 2017, and was themed ‘See Gobe’. The show, which lasted for 78 days, had ex-housemate, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, from season one, as its host.
Two fake housemates, Jon Ogah and Ese Eriata were introduced halfway into the show to spice things up. Eventually, Michael Efe Ejeba fondly referred to as Efe, went home with a cash prize of N25m and an SUV.
Born in Delta State on February 25, 1993, Efe was raised in Jos. Also known as Efe Money, he is a reality TV personality, rapper and singer. Efe began his music career with his debut single ‘Based On Logistics’, which was released on April 27, 2017. He has since released several songs such as Yeba, Far Away, I Done Care, Onome, I love You, 6 Pack, Baba Loke and Somebody.
In December 2017, Efe released his hit song titled “Warri”, which featured Olamide. The music video has garnered over 1.2 million views on YouTube. He released “Campaign”, featuring Ice Prince and BOJ, in September 2019. The young man was appointed Youth Ambassador by the Nigeria Ministry of Youth and Sports in 2017.
3. Miracle Igbokwe
The Big Brother Naija: Double Wahala was the third season of the Nigerian version of the reality show Big Brother. This season ended on April 22, 2018, having run for 85 days.
At the end of the show, Miracle Igbokwe was crowned as the winner. He won the N25m in cash, a brand new SUV, and other awards that cost N45m in total.
Born on February 17, 1995, in Lagos, the reality show star is from Owerri, Imo State.
He attended Dee Unique International High School. Later on, he expressed a huge desire to become a pilot. He studied at the International Aviation College and was also a student of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, where he graduated and obtained a pilot license.
The reality show star is also a model. He has featured on top fashion runways across the country. He participated in the ECOWAS Fashion week and also made the top five at the Mr Universe Nigeria 2014 contest.
4. Mercy Eke
The Big Brother Naija Season 4, also known as Big Brother Naija: Pepper Dem edition, produced the first female winner of the show, Mercy Eke.
Eke, a media personality, actress, video vixen and entrepreneur from Imo State, won N60m worth of prizes.
Born on September 29, 1993, after winning season 4 of Big Brother Naija, Eke became an ambassador and influencer for various organizations.
In 2020, she made her acting debut in the Nollywood film ‘Fate of Alakada’ by Toyin Abraham. She has also appeared in several short comedy skits alongside a few Nigerian comedians.
In 2019, she became a brand ambassador for companies like Ciroc, Mr Taxi Nigeria, Royal Hair International, Just Furniture, waist-trainer and protein shake company, Mapia tea. She also signed a deal with Royal Electronics and an endorsement deal with Unique Motors in 2020.
Although during the reality show, she was in an amorous relationship with fellow contestant, Ike. Months after the show, both parties announced that the relationship was over.
5.Olamilekan “Laycon” Agbeleshe
Fondly called Laycon, the president of the Icons ― as his die-hard fans are called ― he is the winner of Big Brother Naija Season 5, also known as Big Brother Naija: Lockdown.
This edition was a peculiar one due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Interested applicants were asked to do a virtual audition to select contestants for the show.
Born on November 8, 1993, the reality show star, professionally known as Laycon, is a media personality, rapper, singer and songwriter.
On October 6, 2020, he was made the youth ambassador of Ogun State, Nigeria, in addition to other achievements recorded since winning the reality TV show.
The news of Laycon becoming a Brand Ambassador for GOTV was a huge one for his fans and the celebration was also huge across all social media platforms.
Also, he has launched his own reality television show on Showmax titled ‘I Am Laycon’. The reality show sheds light on his life. He also became the ambassador for OPPO smartphone and Opay.
Furthermore, Mentos sweet joined the league of companies promoting their brands with Laycon’s image and fan base. He was seen in different videos and pictures promoting Mentos products as an ambassador.
![Laycon appointed Ogun State Youth Ambassador [Pictures & Video]](https://naijmobile.com/wp-content/uploads/Ejqs_Q1XcAE1xE8-300x200.jpg)
As a son of Ogun State in the South-Western part of Nigeria, Laycon was honoured by his state Governor, Dapo Abiodun, as a Youth Ambassador.
He was also honoured with the appointment, he was also given a sum of N5m and a house. Laycon holds the record as the first BBNaija lockdown housemate to be so verified on Twitter.
