When Imisi, a medical doctor turned reality‑TV star was announced as the winner of the Big Brother Naija Season 10 finale on Sunday, 5 October 2025, the nation’s living rooms lit up with a mix of cheers and disbelief.

The live showdown, staged at the iconic Lagos studio, marked the closing act of what producers billed as the “10/10 season,” a ten‑week marathon that tested friendships, rivalries and sheer stamina.

Imisi edged out eight fellow finalists—Dede, Isabella, Jason Jae, Kaybobo, Kola, Koyin, Mensan and Sultana, securing a prize that includes ₦120 million, a brand‑new car and a five‑year contract with the show's sponsor.

Season Overview: From Katung Aduwak to Imisi

The journey began on 31 July 2025, when the house doors opened for 20 hopefuls. Since its inaugural season in 2006, when Katung Aduwak walked away with the title, BBNaija has become a cultural touchstone. Last year’s champion, Kellyrae, set a high bar with a record‑breaking vote share of 78 %.

Imisi entered the house on day 1, telling the world she wanted to “show that a doctor can also be a game‑changer in entertainment.” Her early alliances with Dede and Jason Jae gave her a solid foothold, while her calm demeanor earned her the nickname “the quiet strategist.”

• 20 housemates at launch, narrowed down to 12 after the first eviction wave.
• Mid‑season twist: a surprise “double‑eviction” that sent home fan‑favorite Kaybobo.
• Faith’s disqualification on 2 October 2025 for rule violations, leaving nine finalists.

Final Week Drama: Head of House, Independence Day and a Poetic Farewell

The final seven days were a rollercoaster. On 3 October, the competition returned to the classic “Head of House” (HoH) challenge, a rigorous obstacle course that tested both physical grit and mental acuity.

In a twist that many called “poetic,” the first‑ever HoH of the season—Jason Jae—claimed the title again on the last night. His decision to bring Sultana as his final HoH guest sparked a flood of social‑media commentary. “It felt like a full‑circle moment,” a viewer tweeted, “like he finally gave her the stage he denied all season.”

Meanwhile, the house celebrated Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day on 5 October. The décor turned neon green, white and orange, and contestants performed a spontaneous dance routine to an Afro‑beat remix of the national anthem. Dede’s freestyle moves went viral, racking up 12 million views within hours.

Koyin multitasked like a pro, juggling ironing, breakfast prep and a heartfelt video confession that left the audience in tears. “I’m proud to be Nigerian, proud to be me,” she said, her voice shaking.

Reactions: Fans, Critics, and Industry Insiders

The public’s reaction was immediate. Trending hashtag #ImisiWins trended at #2 on Twitter’s Nigeria trends within fifteen minutes of the announcement. “I thought she’d slip early,” admitted longtime fan Chidi, “but her calm under pressure was everything.”

Critics, however, noted the season’s “over‑reliance on choreographed drama.” Media analyst Nkem Nwabueze wrote in Pulse, “While the gameplay was fierce, the producers leaned heavily on forced twists—like Faith’s abrupt exit—to keep ratings high.”

Nevertheless, the show’s sponsor, Maltina, called the finale “a celebration of youthful ambition and national pride,” promising new brand activations featuring Imisi.

What Comes Next for Imisi?

Beyond the cash prize, Imisi’s contract includes a six‑month stint as a brand ambassador for several health‑focused NGOs. She hinted in her victory speech that she plans to launch a telemedicine platform aimed at rural communities.

Industry insiders predict a surge in “doctor‑celebrity” collaborations after her win. “She’s opened a door for professionals from non‑entertainment fields to leverage reality TV,” noted Aisha Bello, a talent manager at TalentHub.

Background: How BBNaija Became a National Phenomenon

Since its debut, BBNaija has evolved from a niche reality experiment to a primetime staple watched by over 30 million Nigerians weekly. The show’s format—mixing public voting, hidden tasks and weekly nominations—mirrors the global Big Brother franchise while injecting local flavor.

Key milestones include the 2018 “All‑Stars” season, which boosted viewership by 45 %, and the 2022 “Smartest Housemate” twist that introduced AI‑based challenges. The show’s influence reaches beyond TV; fashion trends, slang, and even political discourse often echo moments from the house.

Key Facts

• Date of finale: 5 October 2025
• Winner: Imisi, medical doctor
• Prize: ₦120 million + car + endorsement deals
• Final nine housemates: Dede, Imisi, Isabella, Jason Jae, Kaybobo, Kola, Koyin, Mensan, Sultana
• Notable twist: Faith’s disqualification on 2 October 2025