Here’s a detailed biography of Phyna — real name Ijeoma Josephina Otabor — the talented Nigerian entertainer best known as the second female winner of Big Brother Naija:
Basic Info
- Full Name: Ijeoma Josephina Otabor
- Born: June 2, 1997; from Ekpon, Edo State (Igbo ethnicity)
- Education: First-class graduate in Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering from Auchi Polytechnic
Career & BBNaija Journey
- Pre-fame: Built a presence as a commercial model, TikTok creator, hype-woman, comedian, and skit maker
- BBNaija Season 7 (“Level Up”) Contestant: Entered on July 23, 2022; known for her energy, catchphrases (“Who deyy”), and strong social media impact
- Winner: Crowned champion on October 2, 2022, with 40.74% of votes—the second woman ever to win—receiving ₦100 million prize (₦50M cash + ₦50M gifts)
Achievements & Persona
- Hype Priestess: Earned the nickname for her charismatic hosting style and upbeat energy
- Skills: Known for repairing appliances, hairstyling in the house, and being technically resourceful
- Platform Build: Quickly amassed verified status on Instagram and a strong following; fans known as “Phynation”
- Advocacy: Opened up about personal resilience, independence (“no dey gree for anybody”), and standing up for herself publicly
Post-Show Developments
- Prize Follow-up: In April 2024, demanded fulfillment of outstanding sponsorship prizes from MultiChoice and brands after alleged shortfalls
- Family Background: In November 2024, announced publicly she was dropping her surname (Otabor) and severing family ties, citing childhood neglect
Quick Reference Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Ijeoma Josephina Otabor |
| Born | June 2, 1997 – Edo State |
| Education | Engineering (First Class, Auchi Polytechnic) |
| Pre‑BBNaija Careers | Model, TikToker, comedian, hype‑woman |
| BBNaija Season & Role | Season 7, “Level Up” – 10th housemate; Winner |
| Prize | ₦100M total (₦50M cash + ₦50M sponsors) |
| Notable Traits | Hype priestess, resilient, outspoken |
| Social Impact | Verified celebrity; “Phynation” following |
| Recent Developments | Engaged sponsors over prizes; disowned family name |
Summary
Phyna is a multifaceted Nigerian entertainer whose mix of technical skills, unapologetic personality, and engaging presence propelled her from TikTok comedy to reality TV stardom. Her BBNaija win cemented her as an influential public figure. Since then, she’s used her platform to advocate for herself and address deep personal challenges, underscoring her resilience and self-empowerment.