Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) Season 9 runner-up, Wanni, recently took time to reflect on her remarkable journey through one of Africa’s most popular reality TV shows, sharing that her experience was fulfilling despite not emerging as the ultimate winner. In an insightful and candid interview with Pulse, Wanni opened up about her time in the BBNaija house, her personal growth, the strong bonds she formed, and the goals she successfully accomplished.
For many viewers, the BBNaija experience is often seen as a competitive race toward fame and fortune, with the main focus on who walks away with the grand prize. However, for Wanni, her participation in the “No Loose Guard” season was about much more than simply winning a title or a cash prize. From the very beginning, she had clear objectives she hoped to achieve by entering the house. According to her, these goals were centered around three important things: brand promotion, personal growth, and building lasting friendships. As the season unfolded, Wanni realized that her time on the show provided her with the perfect opportunity to meet those objectives.
“For me, I feel like I won the show because I achieved everything I went there for,” Wanni revealed during the interview. “I came to the show for three things: brand promotion, growth, and friendship. And looking back, I believe I succeeded in all three areas. That’s why I say I feel like a winner, even if I didn’t take home the grand prize.”
Wanni’s journey in the BBNaija house was not without its ups and downs, yet it was clear that her focus on personal development and creating meaningful connections set her apart. She emphasized that while winning the grand prize would have been a major accomplishment, the friendships and personal growth she gained during the experience were ultimately far more valuable to her.
The BBNaija house is known for its intense environment, where housemates are often put to the test emotionally and mentally. Living in close quarters with others for an extended period can either foster strong relationships or create tension. Wanni reflected on how fortunate she felt to have formed close bonds with several of her fellow housemates. She described these friendships as one of the most meaningful aspects of her time in the house and credited them for helping her navigate the challenges that came with being part of the reality show.
“The connections I made with my fellow housemates were so genuine and meaningful,” Wanni said. “I wasn’t just there to compete. I was there to learn about myself, to grow, and to build relationships that I believe will last long after the show is over. That, to me, is a bigger win than any title.”
A key part of Wanni’s BBNaija journey was her entry into the house alongside her twin sister, Handi. The pair entered the house as a dynamic duo, and their close relationship was one of the more unique aspects of the season. Their bond was evident from the start, with the twins often relying on each other for support. However, their time together on the show was cut short when Handi was evicted during week 8. The eviction of her twin sister was a challenging moment for Wanni, but she used it as a turning point to push herself further in the competition and to focus on the objectives she had set for herself from the beginning.
“Handi and I have always been close, and being in the BBNaija house with her was an amazing experience. It was difficult when she was evicted, but I knew I had to keep going and stay focused on why I was there. Handi’s eviction actually motivated me to push even harder,” Wanni shared.
Despite the challenges, Wanni’s resilience and positive outlook carried her through to the finale, where she emerged as the runner-up of the season. Her performance on the show, combined with her unwavering determination, earned her the admiration of many fans, who praised her for staying true to herself throughout the competition.
Wanni’s participation in BBNaija not only helped her achieve her goals but also positioned her as a rising star in the entertainment and business world. As a runner-up, she has gained significant exposure, and her brand has grown tremendously since the show’s conclusion. The platform has given her numerous opportunities, including endorsement deals, brand collaborations, and invitations to major industry events.
Looking back at the entire experience, Wanni expressed gratitude for the doors BBNaija has opened for her and for the personal transformation she underwent during her time in the house. She revealed that the journey allowed her to explore new aspects of her personality, step out of her comfort zone, and confront her fears head-on. These experiences, she said, were invaluable and have shaped her into a stronger and more confident individual.
“Being in the BBNaija house wasn’t easy. It forced me to confront my insecurities, to learn more about who I am as a person, and to grow in ways I never imagined. I learned so much about myself, and I am grateful for the opportunity. The experience changed my life, and I feel like I’ve come out of it a better version of myself,” Wanni said.
As the “No Loose Guard” season wrapped up on October 6, 2024, with Kellyrae crowned as the winner, Wanni expressed her happiness for her fellow housemate’s success. She maintained that the friendships formed in the house would continue long after the cameras stopped rolling, and she looked forward to what the future holds for everyone involved.
In closing, Wanni offered advice to future BBNaija contestants, encouraging them to approach the experience with an open mind and a clear understanding of their personal goals. She emphasized the importance of remaining authentic and true to oneself throughout the competition.
“My advice to future contestants is to stay true to who you are and have clear goals. It’s easy to get caught up in the game, but if you focus on what you want to achieve and remain authentic, you’ll come out of the experience stronger and more fulfilled,” Wanni concluded.
Although she didn’t win the title of BBNaija Season 9 champion, Wanni’s sense of fulfillment and the accomplishments she achieved during her time on the show prove that there’s more to success than just winning a competition. For her, the real victory lies in the personal growth, the friendships made, and the journey she took—one that has already set her on the path to even greater things.
