Ilebaye, the winner of BBNaija All Stars, has refuted claims that she won the competition by adopting a victim mentality, asserting that her strategy was centered on prayer.
The reality star shared this perspective during an interview with FINDWHOSABI on Saturday Beats. Despite claiming the 120 million grand prize, she admitted she never anticipated lasting more than three weeks in the house.
She explained:
“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 realised 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..”
When asked about her regrets, she expressed a wish that she had danced more enthusiastically at the weekly Saturday parties but emphasized the abundant fun and adventure she experienced in the house, mitigating any feelings of regret.
Reflecting on her experience during her second stint on the show, the 22-year-old emphasized that she learned not to underestimate herself:
“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.”
She also clarified the meaning of “Gen Z baddie” as signifying “having a vibrant and youthful outlook on life,” effectively conveying her youthfulness and encouraging fellow young people to be visible and cherished.
Ilebaye admitted that winning still feels surreal to her, and she is still coming to terms with it, staying mostly in her room and pondering the emotions associated with her victory. She expressed her belief that the world is filled with love and positivity, with no room for negativity.