Entertainment
‘I hated my birth name Blessing’ — BBNaija winner Phyna opens up on painful childhood
‘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.
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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
Entertainment
Davido Loses Close Friend Denisi Amid ₦1bn Legal Dispute
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.
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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
Entertainment
Yul Edochie Blasts Arise TV Anchor Rufai Oseni in Viral Video
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.
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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
Entertainment
Why Prosecuting Simi Over Paedophilia Allegations Is Difficult – Lagos DSVA
Why Prosecuting Simi Over Paedophilia Allegations Is Difficult – Lagos DSVA
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency has explained why prosecuting singer-songwriter and actress Simisola Kosoko (Simi) over recent paedophilia allegations would be legally difficult, citing the absence of a survivor or formal complainant.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Thursday, the Executive Secretary of the agency, Lola Vivour-Adeniyi, said prosecution in cases of alleged sexual abuse cannot proceed effectively without a victim willing to make an official report.
According to her, criminal prosecution requires a survivor who can provide testimony or a complainant whose report can be investigated and documented in line with due process.
“The truth is that it will be very difficult to prosecute without a survivor being present,” Vivour-Adeniyi said during the programme.
The controversy erupted after old posts from Simi’s X (formerly Twitter) account resurfaced online, with some social media users alleging that the posts, made over a decade ago, suggested inappropriate references to toddlers at her mother’s daycare centre. The development triggered accusations of paedophilia against the singer and widespread public debate.
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Simi, who is 37, came under renewed scrutiny shortly after she publicly expressed concern about rising cases of sexual assault in Nigeria, following TikToker Mirabel’s now-discredited rape allegation. After Mirabel admitted that her claim was false, online users revisited Simi’s historical posts from around 2012, reigniting criticism.
The resurfaced posts allegedly referenced a young child expressing affection toward her, with wording that many users described as inappropriate. The singer later clarified that the posts were made when she was 23 years old, while she was assisting at her mother’s daycare, and insisted that they were poorly worded jokes, not reflections of abusive behaviour.
Despite her explanation, public pressure mounted, with calls for authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly. In response, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) stated via its official Instagram page that it is committed to investigating all credible reports related to child abuse or exploitation.
NAPTIP urged anyone with verifiable information, evidence, direct knowledge, or personal experience connected to the allegations to come forward, stressing that investigations must be evidence-driven.
Adding further context, Vivour-Adeniyi said that allegations involving potential child abuse should never be ignored, even when they originate from social media. She called on the Ogun State Government to initiate a preliminary investigation, given that the daycare referenced was reportedly located in the state.
She explained that once allegations surface, relevant authorities have a duty to assess, document, and verify the claims before determining whether legal thresholds for prosecution have been met.
“As for the Simi case, we cannot pretend that we have not seen these reports. We have a duty to at least begin a preliminary investigation,” she said.
However, Vivour-Adeniyi reiterated that the lack of direct testimony, formal complaints, or identifiable survivors significantly limits how far legal action can go. She stressed that criminal cases must be built on admissible evidence, not public outrage or online interpretation.
She encouraged anyone who may have experienced or witnessed sexual abuse, assault, exploitation, or misconduct to formally report to the appropriate authorities, noting that reporting is essential for proper documentation and lawful investigation.
According to her, once a formal statement is obtained, agencies would be better positioned to determine the next course of action, whether criminal, civil, or administrative.
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency emphasized that while no allegation involving children should be trivialized, investigations must still follow due process, fairness, and the rule of law, to protect both potential victims and the integrity of the justice system.
Why Prosecuting Simi Over Paedophilia Allegations Is Difficult – Lagos DSVA
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