10 Things to Know About Imisi — The Star Who Redefined Big Brother Naija Season 10
Every year, Big Brother Naija transforms ordinary Nigerians into household names. But Imisi — the 23-year-old fashion designer from Oyo State who emerged as the winner of Big Brother Naija Season 10 — represents something different.
Her story isn’t just about fame or fortune. It’s about grace under pressure, emotional intelligence, authenticity, and a deep understanding of how vulnerability can be power.
By the night the finale aired, millions across Nigeria and beyond had come to see Imisi as not just a contestant, but a mirror of the modern Nigerian woman — ambitious, wounded, evolving, and unafraid to show the world her scars.
As fireworks lit the Lagos skyline and presenter Ebuka Obi-Uchendu announced her name, the studio audience erupted. Social media exploded. Within minutes, “#TeamImisiForever” trended across X (Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok. The world had a new star, and Nigeria had a new sweetheart.
Here are ten in-depth things to know about Imisi — whose real name is Opeyemi Ayanwale — and how she turned from a young designer with big dreams into a national icon who walked away with ₦150 million, an Innoson SUV, and an unforgettable legacy.
- Her Full Name Is Opeyemi Ayanwale — But “Imisi” Is More Than a Stage Name
Imisi’s full name, Opeyemi Ayanwale, may not have been known to most Nigerians before the show, but the name Imisi has now become synonymous with resilience, joy, and authenticity.
Interestingly, Imisi is derived from the Yoruba word “Imisi Ayo,” meaning “breath of joy” — a name that feels prophetically fitting for her personality. During her stay in the Big Brother house, she embodied the meaning of her name: her laughter was contagious, her energy disarming, her presence restorative.
When she introduced herself to the housemates on the first day, she said with a smile, “You can call me Imisi. It’s short, but it’s who I am — simple, calm, and full of joy.”
That short sentence became her signature — a declaration of identity that resonated with millions. Her name became a brand, her personality a movement, and her story an inspiration to countless young Nigerians dreaming beyond their limitations.
- She Is Only 23 — A Symbol of Youthful Brilliance
Born on January 24, 2002, in the historic city of Ibadan, Imisi is just 23 years old — making her one of the youngest winners in Big Brother Naija history.
But despite her youth, she carried herself with the maturity of someone twice her age. While many contestants sought validation through alliances or conflict, Imisi played the long game — balancing grace with strategy, empathy with assertiveness.
Her age became a talking point among fans, with many praising her ability to stay calm under pressure. She avoided most of the petty squabbles that defined earlier weeks in the house, preferring to listen rather than shout.
When asked by fellow housemate Dede about how she stayed composed, she replied, “I learned early that peace is louder than noise.”
That line became a meme, a quote, and later, a brand slogan for one of her post-show campaigns. At 23, Imisi has already mastered the art of emotional discipline — a rare skill in a world obsessed with instant reactions.
- She Proudly Represents Oyo State and Yoruba Heritage
Imisi’s Oyo roots were impossible to miss. From her fluent Yoruba expressions to her pride in traditional attire, she consistently represented her culture with flair and confidence.
During cultural-themed tasks in the BBNaija house, she often led her team’s creative direction — weaving Yoruba proverbs into drama sketches and teaching other housemates about Aso Oke, gele tying, and adire patterns.
In one memorable episode, she prepared amala and ewedu for the housemates, jokingly calling herself “The new Sade Adu of the kitchen.” The moment went viral, earning her admiration for blending humor with heritage.
Her cultural pride wasn’t performative — it was organic. She often credited her late grandmother, whom she called “Mama Ibadan,” for teaching her humility and Yoruba etiquette.
That rootedness — her ability to embrace modern fame without abandoning her identity — has made her a role model for young Nigerians struggling to balance tradition and ambition.
- A Graduate of the University of Ibadan — Education Meets Enterprise
Before fame, Imisi walked the halls of the University of Ibadan (UI), Nigeria’s oldest university. She studied Entrepreneurship and Industrial Relations, disciplines that would later define her business mindset.
While in UI, she began designing clothes for fellow students, turning her small hostel room into a mini fashion studio. Friends nicknamed her “Madam Cut & Sew” because of her talent for repurposing thrift clothes into trendy pieces.
By her third year, she had created a modest fashion label called Imisi Designs, specializing in simple, elegant female wear. Her designs became popular during campus events, with students often queuing at her room to buy outfits before dinners and pageants.
That early entrepreneurial spirit became her survival mechanism after graduation. Long before BBNaija, she was already a businesswoman, learning to navigate Nigeria’s unpredictable creative economy.
She often says, “I didn’t go to Big Brother to find fame. I went there to scale my dream.”
- A Talented Fashion Designer with a Vision
Even inside the Big Brother house, Imisi’s fashion sense stood out. Every outfit she wore carried intention — from the Ankara maxi dresses that paid homage to her Yoruba roots to the minimalist white ensembles that exuded elegance.
Her fans, nicknamed The ImisiNation, quickly turned her wardrobe moments into hashtags like #ImisiStyle, #SlayWithPurpose, and #MadeByImisi.
What most viewers didn’t know is that many of those outfits were her own designs. She personally tailored several pieces before entering the house, saying she wanted her clothes to “speak before she did.”
Her dream, post-BBNaija, is to transform Imisi Designs into a pan-African fashion brand that promotes affordable, sustainable fashion. She plans to open studios in Lagos, Ibadan, and Accra, targeting women who want elegance without extravagance.
In her words, “Fashion is my first love, but it’s also my form of resistance. I want young women to know they can look powerful without compromising their values.”
- She’s an Aspiring Nollywood Actress with a Passion for Storytelling
While fashion brought her recognition, Imisi’s real dream lies in storytelling. During her time in the house, she confessed her deep admiration for Nollywood icons like Genevieve Nnaji, Shaffy Bello, and Adesua Etomi-Wellington.
She participated in every drama and acting task in the house, often taking lead roles and improvising emotional scenes with remarkable depth. Her performance during the “Tales of Tomorrow” task week was so moving that even Ebuka mentioned it during the eviction show, calling her “a born performer.”
After her win, top Nollywood producers reportedly reached out, expressing interest in working with her. She hinted in an interview that she’s already in talks to feature in a romantic drama scheduled for early 2026.
“I want to act stories that heal,” she said. “Nigeria needs more stories about women who rise after falling.”
Her fans believe her transition to Nollywood is inevitable — a natural progression for a woman whose life already feels like a movie.
- She Has Overcome Deep Personal Loss
Behind Imisi’s smile lies a story of pain and survival. During a vulnerable moment in the house, she opened up about losing her baby at four months old due to complications from an abusive relationship.
The confession shocked her fellow housemates and moved millions of viewers. She said the experience nearly broke her, leaving her struggling with depression and guilt.
“I thought I was worthless. But I learned that broken doesn’t mean useless. You can be scarred and still be gold,” she told her fellow housemates.
Her openness about grief and trauma turned her into a voice for mental health awareness. NGOs like SheRise Africa and Survivors Network later reached out to collaborate with her on post-show advocacy campaigns for young women facing emotional abuse.
Her story reminds the world that strength isn’t the absence of pain — it’s the courage to live through it.
- She Is Currently Single — Focused on Healing and Growth
When asked about her relationship status during one of the live shows, Imisi laughed and said, “My relationship status? I’m dating my peace.”
Her response drew applause — and became one of the most quoted lines of the season.
After her experience with a toxic relationship and personal loss, Imisi chose to prioritize self-love and growth. Throughout the season, she resisted romantic entanglements in the house, maintaining boundaries and focusing on her game.
While some fans initially wanted to “ship” her with fellow contestant Dede, she politely dismissed rumors, saying, “Not every vibe is romantic. Sometimes it’s just mutual respect.”
Post-show, she’s been open about her journey of emotional healing, attending therapy and encouraging others to do the same. In a post-win interview, she said: “I used to think healing was about forgetting. Now I know it’s about remembering without pain.”
Her maturity has positioned her as a voice of balance in Nigeria’s youth culture — proving that femininity, strength, and solitude can coexist beautifully.
- She Won Hearts with Her Wit, Charm, and Emotional Intelligence
From the very first week, Imisi demonstrated a unique ability to connect with both housemates and viewers. Her humor was subtle but sharp, her banter light yet meaningful. She wasn’t the loudest or the most controversial, but she was consistently present — thoughtful, authentic, and emotionally aware.
During conflicts, she often acted as a mediator. Her calm voice defused tensions between feuding housemates, earning her the nickname “Mama Peace” from others in the house.
But what truly made her special was her emotional intelligence. She understood people — their triggers, fears, and insecurities — and treated everyone with compassion.
In an era where reality TV often rewards chaos, Imisi proved that kindness is not weakness.
Fans across Nigeria described her as “the heart of the house.” Influencers, therapists, and even religious leaders praised her demeanor, calling her victory “a win for empathy in a generation addicted to drama.”
Her ability to be real without being rude, assertive without being arrogant, playful without being petty — that was her true strategy.
- She Made History as the BBNaija Season 10 Champion — And Redefined the Game
When Imisi’s name was announced on the finale night, the moment felt historic. She beat nine other finalists — including fan favorites Dede and Kamsi — with a commanding 39% of total votes, the highest winning margin in the last three seasons.
She became not just the Season 10 winner, but also a symbol of a shifting cultural mood in Nigeria — one that celebrates authenticity over controversy, intelligence over drama, and substance over spectacle.
Her ₦150 million prize package includes ₦80 million cash, a brand-new Innoson SUV, an international trip, and endorsement deals with premium brands like Pepsi, Tecno, and Flutterwave.
But beyond the material rewards, Imisi’s win carries spiritual weight. She stands as proof that goodness can still triumph in a competitive, cynical world.
In her victory speech, she said: “This win is not just for me. It’s for every young person who thought they were too soft for this world. You can be kind and still be powerful.”
Beyond the 10 Facts: The Woman Behind the Phenomenon
Her Relationship with Fans
The ImisiNation fan base has quickly become one of the most organized in BBNaija history. Within hours of her victory, fans held watch parties in Ibadan, Lagos, Abuja, and even in the diaspora — from London to Toronto.
They describe her as “our peace in chaos.” On social media, her fans mobilize for charity drives, mentorship programs, and business exhibitions inspired by her entrepreneurial background.
Her humility fuels this loyalty. Even after her win, she continues to personally respond to fan messages. One fan posted a DM reply from her that simply read: “Thank you. I see you. Keep believing.” It went viral as proof of her grounded nature.
Her Influence on Nigerian Youth Culture
Imisi’s victory has sparked conversations about what young Nigerians truly value. Her journey challenges the idea that fame must come from scandal. She won not by shouting, flirting, or backstabbing — but by being consistently herself.
Social commentators describe her as a “corrective narrative” in an entertainment culture that often rewards loudness over depth.
Through her story, many young Nigerians — especially women — are rediscovering the power of quiet ambition and authenticity.
Her Next Chapter
After winning, Imisi announced plans to launch two major projects:
- The Imisi Foundation for Mental Health and Empowerment, aimed at helping survivors of emotional trauma find therapy and skills training.
- The Imisi Fashion House, a Lagos-based design studio that merges traditional fabrics with modern silhouettes.
She’s also working on a YouTube series titled “Becoming Imisi,” which will chronicle her life after BBNaija — the fame, the pressure, and the pursuit of purpose.
Media Reaction and Industry Forecast
Media analysts are already calling Imisi “the next breakout brand ambassador” in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. PR experts predict that she could easily secure endorsement deals worth over ₦500 million in her first post-show year, rivaling past winners like Mercy Eke and Whitemoney.
Her combination of style, substance, and social empathy makes her appealing to both luxury and lifestyle brands.
Fashion editor Tolani Adesanya described her as “a Gen-Z icon in the making — unbothered, authentic, marketable, and emotionally intelligent.”
Cultural Significance: A New Era of Feminine Power
Imisi’s win marks a cultural shift. For years, BBNaija was criticized for glamorizing superficial behavior and overlooking contestants with substance. Her victory rebalances that narrative.
She symbolizes a new archetype of Nigerian womanhood — one that is soft but strategic, confident but kind, fashionable but purpose-driven.
In interviews, she emphasizes that femininity is not a performance but a principle.
“I’m not trying to be perfect,” she once said. “I’m just trying to be honest. That’s where real power lives.”
Her authenticity challenges an entire generation to redefine success, not as domination, but as alignment — with one’s purpose, peace, and potential.
Legacy: The Future of the Imisi Phenomenon
As Season 10 fades into history, Imisi’s legacy is just beginning. Her life after the show will test her ability to sustain authenticity in a fame-hungry world.
But if her journey in the house is any indication, she will approach stardom the same way she approached the game — with humility, strategy, and emotional balance.
In many ways, Imisi’s story represents Nigeria’s story: a tale of struggle, creativity, and survival. Her win is a reminder that light can emerge from pain, that softness can be strength, and that ordinary people can rise to extraordinary heights when they stay true to themselves.
Closing Reflection: A Queen for a New Generation
At 23, Imisi Opeyemi Ayanwale has already lived multiple lives — a designer, a survivor, a storyteller, and now, a reality TV legend.
Her rise is more than entertainment; it’s a cultural moment. A breath of fresh air. Or, as her Yoruba name perfectly declares — “Imisi Ayo” — the breath of joy that Nigeria didn’t know it needed.
Her victory is not just hers. It belongs to every young woman who ever doubted her worth, every dreamer who ever felt unseen, and every Nigerian who believes that grace — real grace — can still win.
Because in the house where fame is fought for, Imisi didn’t just win votes — she won hearts.