- BBNaija All Stars winner, Ilebaye denies using a victim strategy, credits her victory to prayer.
- She won the grand prize of 120 million Naira and according to her she didn’t expect to last more than three weeks in the house.
- She said her only regret is not dancing more enthusiastically at the Saturday parties.
- ‘Gen Z baddie’ means ‘having so much life’ and celebrates youthfulness.
In a recent interview with Punch Saturday Beats, BBNaija All Stars winner Ilebaye dismissed claims that her victory was achieved by playing the victim card, firmly attributing her triumph to prayer.
Ilebaye, who clinched the grand prize of 120 million Naira, disclosed that she never expected to last more than three weeks in the BBNaija house.
“I did not use any strategy (to win the game). The only strategy I used was to pray to God. I never imagined that I would win the competition.
“During my first participation on the show (in 2022), I spent only three weeks. When I realized that they were bringing stars for this season, I thought I would last for a maximum of three weeks. I did not know I would be the winner,” Ilebaye said.
Addressing her regrets, Ilebaye expressed that she wished she had danced more enthusiastically during the weekly Saturday parties.
Nevertheless, she emphasized that the experience in the house was filled with fun and adventure, and she has no major regrets.
“The only regret is that I wish I danced very well at the parties. But, there was so much fun and adventure in the house. So, I really don’t have any regret,” she said.
Reflecting on the lessons she has learned from her second time on the show, the 22-year-old millionaire noted that she has gained a newfound self-belief and stressed the importance of not underestimating oneself.
She encouraged others to persevere, even in the face of previous failures, as one’s time will eventually come.
“I have learnt never to underestimate myself. One should always believe in oneself, no matter the outcome. Even if one had failed before, one should never give up. One’s time will always come.”
Regarding the term ‘Gen Z baddie,‘ which has been associated with her, Ilebaye clarified that it means “having so much life.”
She views it as a call for young people to be recognized and appreciated.
“It is basically telling everybody I am young. It is a call for young people to be seen and loved,” she added.
As the reality of her victory continues to sink in, Ilebaye admitted that it still feels like an unimaginable achievement.
“I have just been overwhelmed and staying in my room, trying to think and feel the emotions of being the winner. I have not really gone into details of what is going on in the world now. But, I am sure is all love and light; no hate,” she said.