I’ll spoil my parents with BBNaija prize money — Winner, Nkem

21-year-old Big Brother Naija Season 11 winner, Temitope Chibue, known as Temi Nkem, tells NAOMI CHIMA about her journey and strategy in the ‘Show Ya Sef’ house

When you look back at the moment your name was announced, what does that victory mean to you?

It feels amazing. I feel like I’ve broken a stereotype. I’m the first of my kind, and I think I’m the youngest person to win the show. I just turned 21. Obviously, I come from abroad, and coming to the show from abroad, they tell you that you don’t really have a chance of winning. So, being able to break that stereotype feels amazing; it feels good.

And seeing all of my clips outside too, it’s fantastic. I really thought I was boring, I’m not going to lie. But guys, I’m giving you quality content. It doesn’t stop here; it only starts.

At what point did you realise that winning the show was actually possible?

To be honest, I didn’t know. I felt like everybody was showing themselves in a certain way. I actually thought I was sleeping a lot, waking up and going to the arena. I thought the viewers hated that. But it seems like they were still finding something.

So, at what point in the house did I ever think I was winning? Probably never, because if I did, I wouldn’t have been begging for immunity. I was on my knees. I was running from left to right.

Considering that you are based outside Nigeria, there was a perception that someone like you might not win. Did that ever make you doubt yourself?

Obviously! As I said, coming to the show from abroad, they tell you that you don’t really have a chance of winning. So, that kind of dawned on me. As I was hearing that, I was thinking, “You know what? I might as well just have fun.” The show is called ‘Show Yourself’, so I might as well still show myself. That’s what I did. And guess what? I still won.

If that is not determination, I don’t know what else it is called. I would say, just do whatever you want to do and whatever you put your heart into. And importantly, pray about everything, because I did.

What was your strategy to win the show?

My strategy was to have fun. I just wanted to be myself because, at the end of the day, there were a lot of people in the house. Was it a part of the game? Well, a game is a game, isn’t it? But the game was meant to be won. And, I eventually won?

Which housemate challenged you the most?

I can’t even answer that because clearly, it wasn’t a challenge if I won. So, I don’t think anybody really gave me a challenge.

I felt like if anybody ever came to confront me about an issue, I’d always give it back. I’d always explain myself. But at the end of the day, we’re classy and graceful. We dominate around here. So, I don’t think anyone ever challenged me.

You also had moments when you were wrong or had disagreements with people. How easy was it for you to apologise and move forward?

I know how to apologise. Even though my shoulders are high, my pride might not be that great. But I feel like that issue is in the house. Obviously, I apologised to people, and luckily, I was forgiven in the house. We all moved on.

What was the biggest highlight of your experience in the house?

The highlight of my experience was when I won my first-ever BET Power Friday Night Arena game. That was an amazing moment for me because, in my head, I was thinking, “Guys, I don’t even know if I can do this.”

Going to the games, I participated, I tried my best, and I won. So, I feel like that was my own bonus, and I felt amazing after that.

You are walking away with a significant cash prize. What are your plans for the money?

I will be investing a huge sum of my money. I already said that I studied accounting and finance, and took an extra degree called “treasury”. I know how to work with my money, and I want to get it to grow.

I’m going to invest it, and at the same time, I’m also going to invest in my future. I’m also going to give some to my parents. I’m going to spoil them a little bit. And obviously, I’m going to spend on myself. I need a little treat for myself.

Beyond the money, what does winning mean for your future?

It doesn’t stop here. It only starts. I have a future to build on, and I want to make sure that I use this opportunity properly. Biggie has given me a solid foundation and I’m never going to take that for granted. I’m going to keep progressing.

Will you continue your studies now that you’ve won?

Obviously, because I’ve already invested in my education. I can’t just stop there and start again in another country. I’m either going to do my schooling online, or I’m still going back to school regardless, because I like my degree and I want to continue my education.

Are you planning to return to the UK, or are you considering making Nigeria your base for the next chapter of your life?

I’m not going back immediately. I did say I wanted to tour Africa. I want to go around the different countries. I don’t know what or how I will do it, but I want to stay here for a minimum of two years.

I want to see what Nigeria and Africa have for me, and build on that. The sky’s the limit.

What is it about Nigeria that makes you want to stay?

The people and the food. This is my home and roots. When they ask me, “What are you?” I say I’m as Nigerian as my name.

Tell us about your family.

I am based in London. I hail from Ibusa in Delta State, with my maternal roots in Ebute Metta, Lagos State.

Is your dad currently in Nigeria?

No, he’s not. He’s still in the UK. Obviously, somebody needs to provide for the family.

How did he react when you were announced the winner?

I got a call from him immediately after I won.

What about your mum?

She actually came with me, but her health wasn’t great at that time. But I thank God, and I prayed every single day, and she’s here again. She surprised me in the finals. I was so excited when I saw her.

How did your parents react when you told them you wanted to participate?

It took a bit of persuasion, because they didn’t really know about Big Brother Nigeria.

I also did not know what BBN was until my aunty came to live with us while I was growing up in the UK. She used to watch it all the time, and she described it as the biggest show in Africa.

I told her I would participate in it someday, and I eventually won.

Growing up, did you ever imagine yourself standing on a platform like this?

I always knew I wanted to be famous. But, I didn’t necessarily envision this exact platform.

Now that you have this platform, what do you want to do with your personal brand over the next five years?

I’m hoping that I’ll be able to connect with people and brands.

But I feel like I should surprise people. I don’t want to say too much. I don’t want to promise l and under-deliver.

But I still have a living goal, so I’m going to do what I need to do. As for working with major brands,it hasn’t hit me yet. Right now, I’m just living in the moment, still going through the comments, seeing all the positivity and love.

Now that you’re out of the house, are you open to a relationship?

If love comes right now, I don’t know if I would take it, to be honest. I need to focus on my education and making money. Love comes after.

God comes first, so I guess love comes third. Love is not something I’m chasing right now. I’m still young. If it comes, that’s fine but I’m not going to rush.

To what do you attribute your big win?

I attribute everything to faith, prayer and staying true to myself throughout the entire journey.

What are your favourite things to do?

My favourite things to do include vlogging, eating and spending money.