Former Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) winner and reality TV star, Mercy Eke, has revealed that her groundbreaking victory in the fourth season of the reality show was a triumph not just for herself but for “all young women” who dare to dream big.
In a recent interview with BellaNaija, the media personality and entrepreneur reflected on her historic win and the impact it had on female representation in the popular reality series.
Eke, who emerged as the first-ever female winner of Big Brother Naija in 2019, said her success served as a beacon of hope for women who have often been underestimated or told they could not achieve great things.
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“I came into the show prepared. I was ready,” she said. “And when I won the show, I did it for all the young women who have been told that they can’t. I did it for all of us.”
Mercy Eke, affectionately known as Lambo by fans, rose to fame after her dramatic and entertaining stint in the Big Brother Naija: Pepper Dem edition.
Her charisma, fashion sense, and competitive spirit earned her a strong fan base, making her one of the most celebrated housemates in the history of the show.
Speaking about her mindset during the competition, Mercy Eke revealed that she had always believed in her ability to succeed despite the odds. According to her, confidence and preparation played a major role in her journey to victory.
“I knew what I wanted before I even stepped into the house,” she explained. “I wasn’t just there to participate; I was there to win. I had a vision of what I wanted to achieve and the kind of woman I wanted to represent.”
Her victory, she noted, went beyond personal fulfillment, it became a moment of inspiration for women across the country who aspired to break barriers in entertainment and other male-dominated fields.
Mercy’s win marked a turning point in Big Brother Naija history. Before her triumph, three male contestants, Katung Aduwak, Michael Efe Ejeba, and Miracle Igbokwe had won previous seasons.
Eke’s achievement opened the door for more women to believe in their potential to clinch the top prize.
Since then, two other women, Phyna (2022) and Ilebaye (2023), have followed in her footsteps, further solidifying the influence of female contestants in the show’s narrative.
Beyond reality television, Mercy Eke has built a successful career as a businesswoman, actress, and influencer. She has launched fashion and real estate ventures while maintaining a strong social media presence that continues to attract brand endorsements and loyal supporters.
As she continues to evolve in her career, Eke says her focus remains on empowerment and creating opportunities for other women to thrive.
“I want young girls to look at me and know that nothing is impossible,” she said. “If I could break that barrier, they can too.”
