Full List Of Previous BBNaija Winners As Season 11 Begins With Record N160m Prize

The stage is set for another thrilling edition of Big Brother Naija as Season 11 premieres on July 26, with a fresh batch of housemates preparing to battle for a record-breaking grand prize of N160 million.

Tagged “Everything Is For The Taking,” the new season promises the signature mix of drama, alliances, romance, strategy and surprises that has made the reality show one of Africa’s most-watched entertainment programmes. The N160 million reward is the highest prize package in the show’s history since it first aired in 2006.

Beyond the competition, BBNaija has become a launchpad for careers in entertainment, business, fashion and digital content creation, producing several household names over the years.

LEADERSHIP reports that Big Brother Naija is the Nigerian version of the global Big Brother franchise created by Dutch media company Endemol. The show debuted in 2006 before going off air for 11 years and making a successful return in 2017. Since then, it has grown into a continental phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers across Africa and beyond.

As fans await the unveiling of this year’s housemates, here is a look at the winners who have shaped the show’s legacy from Seasons 1 to 10.

Katung Aduwak (Season 1 – 2006)

Katung Aduwak became the first-ever winner of Big Brother Nigeria after entering the house as a wildcard contestant. He claimed the $100,000 prize and later moved to New York, where he studied filmmaking. He has since built a career as a film director and producer.

Michael ‘Efe’ Ejeba (See Gobe – 2017)

When BBNaija returned in 2017, Efe captured viewers’ hearts with his relatable personality and memorable phrase, “Based on Logistics.” His victory earned him a prize package worth N25 million and an SUV. He later ventured into music and remains active in the entertainment industry.

Miracle Igbokwe (Double Wahala – 2018)

Miracle’s strong performances in the arena games helped him secure victory in the “Double Wahala” season. After winning the N45 million prize package, he relocated to the United States and qualified as a licensed commercial pilot.

Mercy Eke (Pepper Dem – 2019)

Mercy Eke made history as the first female winner of BBNaija. Following her triumph in the “Pepper Dem” edition and a N60 million prize package, she expanded into real estate, fashion, television and entrepreneurship.

Olamilekan ‘Laycon’ Agbeleshe (Lockdown – 2020)

Laycon emerged victorious during the COVID-19-era “Lockdown” season, backed by a loyal fan base. After winning N85 million, he advanced his music career, starred in a reality series and became a voting member of the Recording Academy for the Grammy Awards.

Hazel ‘White Money’ Onou (Shine Ya Eye – 2021)

White Money’s charisma, humour and culinary skills made him a fan favourite. He won the N90 million grand prize and has since pursued music, endorsement deals and other entertainment ventures.

Josephine ‘Phyna’ Otabor (Level Up – 2022)

Phyna became the second woman to win the show after a memorable run marked by confidence and energy. Since claiming the N100 million prize, she has built a career in acting, presenting and influencer marketing.

Ilebaye Odiniya (All Stars – 2023)

Competing against former housemates in the “All Stars” edition, Ilebaye emerged as the youngest winner in the show’s history. Her N120 million prize package helped her grow her fashion business and strengthen her digital content brand.

Kingsley ‘Kellyrae’ Sule (No Loose Guard – 2024)

Kellyrae entered the competition with his wife, Kassia, while successfully concealing their marriage from fellow contestants. The secret became one of the season’s defining storylines, and he eventually won the N100 million grand prize. Since then, he has focused on music and commercial partnerships.

Imisioluwa ‘Imisi’ Ayanwale (10/10 – 2025)

Imisi claimed the Season 10 crown after impressing viewers with her strategic gameplay and consistency throughout the competition. Following her N150 million win, she expanded her footprint in content creation, acting and brand collaborations.