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
Frequently Asked Questions
How will Imisi’s win affect her medical career?
Imisi says she’ll keep her medical licence active while using the prize money to fund a telemedicine start‑up targeting underserved regions. Industry analysts expect her dual profile to attract partnerships with health NGOs and private investors.
What led to Faith’s disqualification?
Producers released a brief statement citing “breach of house rules” after Faith was caught discussing external political matters, a prohibited activity under the BBNaija code of conduct.
Who are the most popular housemates after the season?
Social‑media analytics show Dede and Jason Jae topping the post‑show popularity charts, each gaining over 2 million new followers on Instagram within a week of the finale.
What was the viewership rating for the finale?
Nielsen reported a 42 % household rating for the finale broadcast, the highest for any BBNaija episode since the 2019 “All‑Stars” season.
Will there be a Season 11 and what can fans expect?
The network confirmed Season 11 will launch in mid‑2026, promising “bigger challenges, more interactive voting and a new prize pool.” Rumors suggest a possible “celebrity guest‑house” twist.
Sports
Allen Rodi
October 7, 2025 AT 23:30Seeing Imisi take the crown really showcases how a calm, strategic approach can pay off in a high‑pressure environment. It's impressive that a medical professional managed to navigate alliances and twists without losing her composure. The way she handled the double‑eviction drama and still kept the focus on her game plan was solid. I think this win will inspire a lot of other professionals to consider reality TV as a platform for positive influence. Plus, the prize money will definitely help fund her telemedicine goals, which is a win for the community.
Fabian Rademacher
October 8, 2025 AT 22:00Everyone's acting like this was a fair competition but the producers have been pulling strings since day one. The voting numbers were off, the edit favoured Imimi heavily and there were rumors of money changing hands to secure the outcome. Don't be fooled by the hype, the show is just a massive PR stunt for the sponsors.
Terrell Mack
October 9, 2025 AT 20:13I get why some folks are skeptical but the gameplay was solid. Imisi earned her spot by staying low‑key, forming the right alliances and outperforming in the HoH challenges. The public votes reflected genuine support, especially after her heartfelt confession on independence day. It’s more than just a sponsor push.
Dawn Waller
October 10, 2025 AT 15:40Wow!!! Yet another doctor wins, how original...!!!
Grace Melville
October 11, 2025 AT 13:53Congrats Imisi! 😄
Ashlynn Barbery
October 12, 2025 AT 09:20It is commendable that the winner has leveraged her professional background to bring attention to critical health issues. Her upcoming telemedicine project could serve as a model for integrating public figures with community service. The show’s platform, when used responsibly, can amplify such initiatives and foster positive societal change. I look forward to seeing how her endorsement deals align with her medical expertise, ensuring authenticity and impact.
Sarah Graham
October 12, 2025 AT 23:13Indeed, the mentorship aspect highlighted throughout the season was a key factor in shaping the contestants’ growth. Providing guidance while respecting each individual's journey creates a supportive environment that benefits both participants and viewers.
Jauregui Genoveva
October 14, 2025 AT 03:00The glorification of celebrity culture in reality TV is truly alarming 😒. It encourages a shallow pursuit of fame over genuine contribution, and the audience gets hooked on manufactured drama rather than real substance. The show should focus more on personal development and societal impact rather than just ratings.
Quinten Squires
October 15, 2025 AT 06:46Reality TV has become a cultural phenomenon that shapes public perception in ways many fail to appreciate. The format blends competition with personal storytelling creating a hybrid that hooks viewers. Its influence extends beyond entertainment affecting fashion trends and even political discourse. The audience gets a voyeuristic glimpse into a curated reality that feels authentic yet is heavily edited. Producers manipulate narratives to boost ratings while contestants navigate alliances and betrayals. The psychological toll on participants is often overlooked as they manage public scrutiny and personal stress. Despite these concerns the genre continues to thrive because it taps into fundamental human curiosity. Bigger prizes and sponsor deals add a financial incentive that fuels the chase for fame. This season’s twist with the double eviction demonstrated how unpredictable elements keep the show fresh. Imisi’s win illustrates that a strategic, low‑profile approach can outlast flamboyant gameplay. The integration of national celebrations like Independence Day adds cultural relevance and boosts viewership. Moreover the show’s capacity to launch social initiatives, such as telemedicine projects, shows potential for positive impact. However, the underlying commercial motives are evident in the massive sponsorship deals. It is crucial for audiences to remain critical of the narratives presented. Understanding the production mechanisms behind the scenes can demystify the seemingly spontaneous moments. Ultimately the genre reflects both the best and worst of society’s desire for drama and aspiration.
Tyler Manning
October 16, 2025 AT 10:33This victory is a testament to Nigerian excellence and the indomitable spirit of our people. The nation should take pride in a doctor who embodies both professional dedication and cultural representation.