‘I hated my birth name Blessing’ — BBNaija winner Phyna opens up on painful childhood

Big Brother Naija winner Phyna has opened up about her painful upbringing, revealing why she dislikes the birth name given to her by her parents and how her difficult childhood shaped the person she is today.

The BBNaija Season 7 “Level Up” winner, whose real name is Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, said she was originally named Blessing, but grew to resent the name because it did not reflect the reality of her early life.

Speaking in a recent interview, the reality television star said the name felt disconnected from her experiences growing up, noting that she struggled with emotional hardship and often felt deprived of the love and support many children received from their families.

According to Phyna, her childhood was filled with moments where she constantly sought validation from family members, friends and romantic partners, but frequently ended up feeling rejected or criticised.

“The name given to me by my parents is Blessing. My reason for hating that name was that I don’t see a sense of blessing in my life. It felt like I was always begging for love — family love, friendship, even in relationships,” she said.

The reality TV star described her upbringing as extremely difficult, explaining that she missed out on several opportunities that many of her peers enjoyed while growing up.

READ ALSO:

• Iran War: US Authorizes $151.8 Million Bombs Sale to Israel
• Ghanaian UN Peacekeepers Hit by Missile Attack in Lebanon as Iran‑Linked War Escalates
• Dangote Refinery Hikes Petrol Price to ₦995 per Litre Amid Global Oil Price Surge

She also revealed that some of the people around her used the name as a way to mock or criticise her, which further deepened her dislike for it.

Despite the painful experiences, Phyna said she remained determined to change the course of her life. She recalled repeatedly telling her relatives that she would one day become famous and financially successful, even when they doubted her.

Growing up, she said she endured harsh treatment from some extended family members but remained confident that she would eventually achieve her dreams.

Phyna also revealed that she started working at a young age to support herself and her family. She previously shared that she helped out at her aunt’s restaurant as a child and even missed about two years of secondary school while taking care of her father after he was involved in a serious accident.

Those experiences, she said, forced her to become independent early in life and develop a strong survival instinct.

In 2022, Phyna rose to national prominence after emerging winner of Big Brother Naija Season 7, popularly known as the “Level Up” edition, beating other finalists to claim the ₦100 million grand prize.

Since winning BBNaija, the Edo-born star has built a career as a media personality, actress and brand influencer, gaining a large fan base across Nigeria and beyond.

She has also previously spoken about strained family relationships, announcing in 2024 that she had decided to drop her family surname Otabor due to long-standing feelings of rejection.

Reflecting on her journey, Phyna said her difficult past continues to motivate her to succeed, adding that the struggles she faced while growing up helped shape her resilience and determination.

‘I hated my birth name Blessing’ — BBNaija winner Phyna opens up on painful childhood

Davido Loses Close Friend Denisi Amid ₦1bn Legal Dispute

Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Davido is reportedly mourning the death of his close friend and associate, Denisi, at a time when the singer is also facing a ₦1 billion legal dispute linked to an ongoing custody controversy.

News of Denisi’s death surfaced on social media after one of his associates, Joel Heugh Boyseen, shared emotional tributes announcing the loss. In the posts, Denisi was described as a loyal friend and close member of Davido’s circle, with several social media users expressing shock over the sudden development.

Boyseen revealed that Denisi had recently relocated to Cape Town, South Africa, alongside friends in search of new opportunities. He expressed deep grief over the loss, saying the city was mourning Denisi and calling on his late friend to “wake up.” As of the time of filing this report, the cause of Denisi’s death has not been publicly disclosed, but the news has generated widespread reactions online.

The tragic development comes amid a ₦1 billion legal dispute involving Davido and a lawyer representing Sophia Momodu, the mother of the singer’s daughter, Imade.

READ ALSO:

• ISWAP/Boko Haram Abducts Over 100 Women, Children in Borno Assault
•  NERD Registration Now Mandatory for NYSC Participation, FG Confirms
• Air Defence Thwarts Major Aerial Attack Across Saudi Arabia Amid Middle East Conflict

The lawyer, Ebelechukwu Enedah, reportedly issued a pre-action notice demanding ₦1 billion in damages, accusing Davido of harassment, cyberbullying, defamation and threats to life. The legal action followed a heated exchange linked to the custody dispute involving Davido and Momodu.

According to the lawyer, the controversy escalated after Davido allegedly made derogatory remarks about her on social media, reportedly describing her as “the worst lawyer ever.” The legal team claimed the comment triggered online harassment and threats from social media users.

The dispute stems from a custody case involving Davido and Momodu’s daughter, Imade, which had earlier been heard at the Lagos State High Court. After the tense court proceedings, Davido later announced that he would withdraw his custody request, although the controversy surrounding the case continued online.

The death of Denisi has now added a personal tragedy to what appears to be a difficult period for the singer. Fans and followers have taken to social media to express condolences and support for Davido as he navigates both the loss of a close friend and the ongoing legal challenges surrounding the ₦1bn claim.

Davido Loses Close Friend Denisi Amid ₦1bn Legal Dispute

Yul Edochie Blasts Arise TV Anchor Rufai Oseni in Viral Video

Nollywood actor and filmmaker Yul Edochie has sparked widespread reactions online after criticising Arise TV anchor Rufai Oseni in a viral video circulating across Nigeria’s social media space.

In the video, the actor accused Rufai Oseni of being disrespectful to guests during television interviews, questioning the broadcaster’s credibility to challenge public officials and other guests on national issues.

Edochie argued that journalists have a responsibility to ensure guests are treated with respect during interviews, claiming that the Arise TV presenter’s confrontational approach often makes guests uncomfortable.

“How can you invite somebody and make the guest uncomfortable?” Edochie asked in the video. He further described Oseni as “very disrespectful,” adding that such behaviour does not align with the ethics expected in professional journalism.

The criticism appears to be linked to long-standing public discussions about Rufai Oseni’s assertive interview style on Arise Television, where he is widely known for asking tough and direct questions to politicians and public figures during live broadcasts. While many viewers praise the journalist for holding leaders accountable, critics have argued that his approach can sometimes appear confrontational or overly aggressive during interviews.

READ ALSO:

• Court Discharges Abba Kyari, Brothers in NDLEA Non-Disclosure of Assets Case
• Kano State House of Assembly Initiates Impeachment Proceedings Against Deputy Gov
• US Senate Rejects Bill Limiting Trump’s War Powers as Iran Conflict Escalates

During the viral video message, Yul Edochie also referenced a past incident involving the Arise TV anchor and Lagos traffic authorities. According to the actor, Oseni was previously caught driving on a restricted Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lane in Lagos, where he allegedly argued with traffic officials before later apologising after a video of the incident surfaced online.

Public records show that the broadcaster was fined by a Lagos court in 2022 for driving on a BRT lane, after which he issued a public apology over the violation. Edochie cited the incident while questioning Oseni’s moral authority to criticise political leaders and public officials on national television.

In the same video, the Nollywood actor also urged Nigerians to respect President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and allow his administration time to address the country’s challenges. Edochie, who has previously expressed support for the president, argued that critics should give the government enough time to implement its policies and reforms.

The video has generated mixed reactions on social media, with Nigerians divided over the actor’s comments. While some users supported Yul Edochie’s criticism of Rufai Oseni, others defended the journalist, arguing that tough questioning is essential for democratic accountability and responsible journalism.

As of the time of this report, Rufai Oseni has not publicly responded to the actor’s remarks. The controversy highlights the increasing clashes between media scrutiny, celebrity influence, and political discourse in Nigeria, where public figures frequently engage in heated debates across television and digital platforms.

Yul Edochie Blasts Arise TV Anchor Rufai Oseni in Viral Video