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
Blessing CEO Returns to Instagram, Deletes Cancer Claim Posts
Blessing CEO Returns to Instagram, Deletes Cancer Claim Posts
Controversial Nigerian social media influencer, Blessing Okoro Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has returned to Instagram weeks after deactivating her account following widespread backlash over her claim that she was battling stage four breast cancer.
A check on her verified page shows that the influencer has now deleted all posts related to the alleged diagnosis, including videos, interviews, and fundraising content that were previously used to support her claim.
The controversy began in January 2026 when Blessing CEO publicly announced that she had been diagnosed with stage four breast cancer, appealing for financial assistance from the public. She also shared what she described as a medical report to back her claim.
However, the development took a turn after Xinus Medical Diagnostics reportedly disputed the authenticity of the document, alleging that it had been altered. The medical facility claimed the report originally belonged to another individual and was not issued to the influencer.
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The alleged original owner of the medical record, a makeup artist and cancer survivor identified as Deborah Mbara, later spoke out, accusing Blessing CEO of using her medical documents without consent.
Following the controversy, Mbara’s family reportedly petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accusing the influencer of fraudulent fundraising, forgery, and cyber-related offences, and alleging that over ₦300 million may have been raised from the public under false pretences.
The Nigerian Cancer Society also called for a thorough investigation into the matter, urging authorities to ensure transparency and accountability in all public fundraising linked to health conditions.
Blessing CEO subsequently deactivated her Instagram account as the backlash intensified. However, she has now reactivated the account, though all cancer-related posts have been removed, leaving only a documentary-style awareness post on breast health.
As of the time of filing this report, the influencer has not issued any fresh public statement addressing the allegations or explaining the deletion of the posts following her return to social media.
The situation continues to generate debate online, raising concerns about online fundraising transparency, influencer accountability, and medical misinformation in Nigeria’s digital space.
Blessing CEO Returns to Instagram, Deletes Cancer Claim Posts
Entertainment
‘Why Are You Angry?’ — Peter Okoye Questions Critics Over Birthday Shift
‘Why Are You Angry?’ — Peter Okoye Questions Critics Over Birthday Shift
Nigerian music star Peter Okoye has strongly responded to critics questioning his decision to shift his birthday celebration from November 18 to November 30, making it clear that the move is personal and not open to public debate.
The Afrobeats star and member of the defunct duo P-Square had earlier announced that he would no longer accept goodwill messages or gifts on November 18. Instead, he urged fans, friends, and associates to recognize November 30 as his official celebration date going forward.
Reacting to the backlash on social media platform X, the singer expressed surprise at the level of outrage his decision generated. He questioned why many Nigerians were bothered by a private choice that does not directly affect them. In his words, critics were reacting “like say I cancel Christmas,” adding that even the date of Christmas itself remains a subject of global debate.
The Nigerian singer further criticized what he described as misplaced priorities, noting that the attention surrounding his birthday shift appeared to outweigh discussions about more pressing national concerns. According to him, it was “funny” that such a personal matter could spark widespread debate while serious issues affecting the country receive less engagement.
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Okoye also addressed the wave of insults trailing the announcement, stating that criticism would not diminish his success or achievements. He maintained that those who have already attained success remain unaffected by public opinion, emphasizing confidence in his career and personal journey.
Born on November 18 alongside his twin brother Paul Okoye, Peter rose to fame as part of P-Square, one of Africa’s most successful music groups in the 2000s and early 2010s. The duo achieved massive continental and international recognition before their split, with both brothers pursuing solo careers.
Although the singer has not given detailed reasons for moving his birthday, the decision has sparked conversations online, with fans speculating about possible personal motivations. However, Okoye has consistently maintained that the change reflects his individual choice and should be respected without controversy.
The Peter Okoye birthday change controversy continues to trend across social media, highlighting how celebrity decisions often attract intense public scrutiny in Nigeria’s digital space.
‘Why Are You Angry?’ — Peter Okoye Questions Critics Over Birthday Shift
Entertainment
Peter Okoye Officially Changes Birthday Date Amid P-Square Family Rift
Peter Okoye Officially Changes Birthday Date Amid P-Square Family Rift
Nigerian music star, Peter Okoye, has sparked widespread reactions after announcing that he has officially changed the date he celebrates his birthday, a move that comes amid the long-running family and music industry dispute involving his twin brother, Mr P.
In a post shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, the singer stated that November 18 would no longer serve as his birthday celebration date and informed fans that he would now be marking a new date going forward.
“I am officially changing my birthday date. I’m making it official. November 18th is no longer my birthday celebration date. Please note that I will not be accepting any messages or gifts on that day,” he wrote.
He added that his new official birthday celebration date would now be November 30, describing the decision as personal and asking fans for understanding.
“My birthday will now be celebrated on November 30th. This is a personal decision, and I truly appreciate your understanding,” he added.
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The singer did not provide further explanation for the change, but the announcement has reignited conversations about the ongoing tensions within the P-Square family.
Peter Okoye rose to fame as one half of the iconic music duo P-Square, alongside his twin brother Paul Okoye (Rudeboy). The duo dominated African music charts throughout the 2000s and early 2010s with multiple hit songs and sold-out performances across the continent.
However, internal disputes began to surface around 2015, largely tied to disagreements over management, royalties, and creative control. Their elder brother, Jude Okoye, who previously managed the group, was also central to the business-related tensions that deepened the rift.
By 2017, the group officially disbanded, with both brothers pursuing solo careers under the names Mr P and Rudeboy. The split marked one of the most publicised celebrity breakups in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Although the twins reunited in November 2021, exciting fans across Africa and beyond, reports later emerged suggesting that underlying issues—particularly around financial transparency and business structures—had not been fully resolved.
Peter’s latest announcement has therefore been interpreted by fans as another sign of emotional and symbolic distance within the family dynamic, even as he continues his solo music career.
As of press time, neither Paul Okoye nor other members of the Okoye family have issued an official response to the development.
The announcement has continued to generate debate online, with fans expressing mixed reactions over whether the move is purely personal or linked to deeper unresolved issues within the P-Square legacy.
Peter Okoye Officially Changes Birthday Date Amid P-Square Family Rift
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