Brother Nigeria, now called Big Brother Naija is a Nigerian reality competition television series, based on the Big Brother television franchise. On the show, contestants live in an isolated house competing for a large cash prize and other grand prizes at the end of the show, by avoiding being evicted from the house by viewers who vote for their favorite housemates to remain in the show.
The voting results were verified by the auditing company of Alexander Forbes. The first season of the show first aired on M-Net and DStv Channel 37 from 5 March to 4 June 2006. The current show host is Ebuka Obi Uchendu.
Here’s a comprehensive rundown of Big Brother Naija winners from Season 1 to Season 9.
Season 1: Katung Aduwak (2006)
The inaugural season of Big Brother Naija premiered in 2006, with Katung Aduwak emerging as the first-ever winner. He took home a prize of ₦1 million and an SUV.
Season 2: Efe Ejeba (2017)
After a decade-long hiatus, Big Brother Naija returned in 2017. Efe Ejeba, a rapper from Jos, won the season, claiming ₦25 million and an SUV.
Season 3: Miracle Ikechukwu Igbokwe (2018)
In 2018, Miracle Ikechukwu Igbokwe, a pilot from Imo State, won Season 3. His prize package totaled ₦45 million, including ₦25 million cash, an SUV, and other rewards.
Season 4: Mercy Eke (2019)
Mercy Eke made history in 2019 as the first female winner of Big Brother Naija. She received ₦60 million, comprising ₦30 million cash, an SUV, and additional prizes.
Season 5: Laycon (2020)
Laycon, a rapper from Lagos, won Season 5 in 2020. His prize package was ₦85 million, including ₦30 million cash, an SUV, and other rewards.
Season 6: Whitemoney (2021)
In 2021, Whitemoney, an entrepreneur from Enugu, emerged victorious. He won ₦90 million, consisting of ₦30 million cash, an SUV, and other prizes.
Season 7: Phyna (2022)
Phyna, a 25-year-old entrepreneur from Edo State, won Season 7 in 2022. She received ₦100 million, the highest prize yet, comprising ₦50 million cash, an SUV, and other rewards.
Season 8
(Big Brother Naija All Stars), premiered on 23 July 2023 with 20 housemates. It included ex housemates and fan favorites from previous seasons of Big Brother Naija. Ilebaye Odiniya was emerged the winner of the eighth season and won 120 million naira.
Season 9
The ninth season of Big Brother Naija premiered on 28 July 2024, it lasted for 71 days, with a total of 28 housemates who came in 14 pairs. The grand prize was 100 million naira comprising N65 million in cash, along with other prizes. Kellyrae emerged the winner.
Big Brother Naija has come a long way since its inception in 2006. The show continues to captivate audiences, providing entertainment and launching careers for its contestants.
