Funke Akindele is My Number One Mentor – BBNaija Season 10 Winner, Imisi
Every edition of Big Brother Naija births a personality who transcends the boundaries of the show — someone whose energy captures the mood of an evolving youth generation. In 2025, that person is Opeyemi Ayanwale, known to millions simply as Imisi, the 23-year-old Lagos-born entertainer whose candour, charisma, and unfiltered emotional intelligence carried her from relative obscurity to the peak of reality television fame.
When she was crowned the winner of Big Brother Naija Season 10 — dubbed the 10/10 Edition — social media exploded with joy, debates, and memes celebrating a woman whose journey mirrored the hustle and heart of young Nigerians trying to define success in their own terms.
But what truly defined the moment was not the confetti or the ₦150 million cheque she received at the prize presentation ceremony in Lagos — it was her words. Standing before cameras, Imisi smiled, raised her mic, and said with quiet conviction:
“Funke Akindele is my number one mentor. I really hope to work with her one day.”
Those words carried more cultural weight than many realized.
In an industry where Big Brother Naija often produces fleeting influencers, Imisi’s declaration was both a career map and a moral compass — a signal that she is not chasing mere fame, but artistic purpose.
Before fame, Imisi was an everyday Lagos girl — a dreamer, a dancer, and a believer in her own ability to make people smile. Born into a modest Yoruba family, she attended a public secondary school in Alimosho and later studied Mass Communication at the Lagos State Polytechnic. Friends described her as “talkative, dramatic, and full of positive trouble.”
She once revealed in a pre-show interview that she used to act in church dramas and short skits for Instagram, though few took her ambitions seriously.
“People used to say I was too extra,” she laughed during her first diary session on the show. “But now I realize being extra is what makes me special.”
Inside the Big Brother house, that extra became her superpower. Her infectious laughter, quick wit, and theatrical storytelling turned even simple chores into entertainment. Fans compared her expressive mannerisms to that of Funke Akindele’s iconic character, Jenifa, from Jenifa’s Diary — a connection that would later become prophetic.
Big Brother Naija has long been more than a reality show — it’s a microcosm of Nigeria itself, reflecting its hopes, contradictions, and evolving youth culture. Each season births conversations about gender roles, ethnic identities, moral expectations, and the economics of fame.
Imisi’s victory, therefore, is not just personal; it’s sociological.
In a year marked by political fatigue, economic hardship, and cultural polarization, her authenticity offered a rare kind of optimism. She was expressive but grounded, playful yet strategic — a combination that made her relatable to the average Nigerian youth navigating chaos with humour.
Her story resonated across divides. Students saw themselves in her hustle. Single mothers admired her discipline. Churchgoers connected with her spiritual background as a member of the Celestial Church of Christ, a detail she proudly mentioned several times.
“I’m a Celestial child. My faith keeps me sane,” she told Biggie in one memorable diary session.
That spiritual thread humanized her in a show often accused of moral excess. She carried herself with restraint, avoided unnecessary scandals, and stood firm when tested. Her composure during confrontations became a masterclass in emotional intelligence.
The night of the finale felt like a festival of possibilities. The BBNaija Season 10 stage glowed in neon lights as past housemates cheered and the nation watched in anticipation. When host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu called her name, Imisi froze — hands over her mouth, eyes wet with disbelief.
The camera caught her whispering, “Me? Are you sure?” before collapsing into the arms of her fellow finalists.
Within minutes, her name topped X (Twitter) trends: #ImisiTheQueen, #BBNaija10Winner, #FunkeAkindeleMentor. Her journey from obscurity to fame became instant folklore.
At the prize presentation ceremony in Lagos the following day, she was handed her ₦150 million cash prize and a brand-new SUV, alongside endorsement deals worth millions. But amid the glamour, her remarks stood out for their humility:
“This is overwhelming. I’m still processing everything. I’m just grateful to everyone who believed in me — my fans, my Celestial Church family, and my people. I’m ready to learn, to grow, and to be intentional about my next steps.”
Her use of the word “intentional” reflected a maturity rarely seen in post-BBNaija interviews. It hinted at self-awareness — an understanding that fame is fragile unless guided by purpose.
When asked who inspires her the most in Nollywood, Imisi’s answer came without hesitation:
“Funke Akindele is my number one mentor. I really hope to work with her one day.”
That declaration sent ripples through the entertainment industry. Funke Akindele is not merely a filmmaker; she’s a symbol of reinvention — an actress turned producer, then turned record-breaking director whose films (Battle on Buka Street, A Tribe Called Judah) have redefined Nollywood’s box-office history.
For a young woman emerging from reality television, aligning with Funke Akindele signals artistic seriousness. It’s not about glamour; it’s about craft.
Imisi’s admiration mirrors a generational longing — for women who thrive through creativity, discipline, and resilience. In her words, she sees Funke not as an unreachable idol but as a template for the kind of multifaceted entertainer she hopes to become.
“People saw my acting side in the house,” she told journalists. “Even my fellow housemates said I’m a natural actress. I think I’m ready to do more.”
Her dream collaboration with Funke, therefore, isn’t just fan worship; it’s strategic — an aspirational blueprint to transition from television celebrity to cinematic force.
No BBNaija victory is free from controversy. As soon as Imisi’s win was announced, debates flared online about regional voting patterns. Some critics claimed that “Yoruba solidarity” played a major role in her success.
When asked about the speculation, she responded with characteristic grace:
“Maybe. Yoruba people are very supportive of their own, so that might’ve played a role. But honestly, I believe people connected with my realness and vulnerability.”
Her answer reflects the delicate balance every BBNaija winner must strike — acknowledging ethnic realities without letting them define their success.
But beyond ethnic loyalties, Imisi’s triumph speaks to the psychology of relatability. In a season filled with flamboyant personalities and scripted conflicts, she embodied genuineness. Her tears, laughter, and occasional goofiness reminded fans of their own imperfections.
Sociologists might argue that she represents a post-pandemic Nigerian youth archetype — a generation that values emotional honesty over perfection, vulnerability over pretense.
Winning Big Brother Naija is both a blessing and a burden. The fame is instant; the expectations are infinite. For Imisi, the challenge now is to transform popularity into longevity.
She has hinted at pursuing acting, brand influencing, and content creation — industries where visibility translates into revenue. But she also appears cautious, aware of the pitfalls that swallowed many past winners.
“Fame is new to me, but I’m ready to learn and grow,” she said. “I’ll seek mentorship and be intentional about my next steps.”
Her emphasis on mentorship reflects the growing awareness among young Nigerian celebrities that fame without structure leads to burnout. By invoking Funke Akindele’s name, she anchors herself in a lineage of disciplined performers who built empires out of vision.
Industry insiders predict that she will receive offers from streaming platforms, film producers, and corporate brands eager to capitalize on her clean image. But whether she sustains relevance depends on the authenticity she radiated in the house.
Imisi’s victory extends a fascinating trend — women dominating Nigerian reality television in the past few years. From Mercy Eke (Season 4) to Phyna (Season 7) and now Imisi (Season 10), the BBNaija franchise has become a platform where female resilience, creativity, and leadership are not just visible but celebrated.
This shift challenges earlier narratives that framed female housemates as dependent on male alliances. Instead, women like Imisi redefine what it means to be “relatable” in a patriarchal society: confident but vulnerable, ambitious but grounded, expressive but self-respecting.
Her mentorship aspirations toward Funke Akindele fit within this feminist continuum — the idea that women’s success should create ripples of mentorship, not rivalry.
“I want to learn from people who have walked the path and succeeded,” she said. “Funke Akindele, Bimbo Ademoye, Bolaji Ogunmola — they inspire me a lot.”
Throughout her BBNaija journey, Imisi’s identity as a Celestial Church member became a recurring theme. While some mocked her open spirituality, others found it refreshing.
Her insistence on prayer, discipline, and gratitude stood out in an environment often dominated by sensuality and conflict. Fans nicknamed her “Celestial Queen,” turning her white church garments into a meme symbolizing purity amid temptation.
This public embrace of faith in a secular entertainment space reveals a deeper cultural truth — Nigerian youths are increasingly blending religion with modernity. Imisi, like many of her peers, represents a spiritual generation navigating fame through moral consciousness rather than rebellion.
Funke Akindele’s rise from TV comedy to billion-naira film director offers a roadmap for ambitious talents like Imisi. Beyond artistry, Akindele’s success lies in her professional discipline: punctuality, production efficiency, and business acumen.
In a 2023 interview, Akindele once said,
“Fame is not success. Consistency is success. If you can stay relevant for ten years, then you’ve made it.”
Imisi’s decision to cite her as a mentor thus carries a deeper resonance. It’s not merely admiration; it’s alignment with a value system.
Already, insiders say Akindele’s camp has taken notice of Imisi’s comments, with whispers of a possible cameo in an upcoming project under SceneOne Productions. If such collaboration happens, it would complete the circle — from fan to protégé.
While Imisi basks in her newfound fame, industry veterans warn that the entertainment landscape can be unforgiving. Every step is scrutinized, every word amplified.
Former BBNaija housemates like Erica, Laycon, and Phyna have spoken publicly about the pressure to remain relevant. For women especially, the scrutiny often extends to their bodies, relationships, and fashion choices.
To survive, Imisi must balance visibility with authenticity — a dance between performance and privacy. Her decision to center mentorship early could prove to be her greatest shield.
As film critic Nse Abang puts it:
“The entertainment industry is like a marathon with no finish line. Those who anchor themselves to mentors and discipline last longer than those who chase trends.”
At its core, Imisi’s rise is a triumph of authenticity. In an age of curated perfection, she offered unfiltered humanity — a reminder that storytelling still moves people more than spectacle.
Whether she was laughing at her own jokes, sharing stories about her family, or comforting heartbroken housemates, her empathy became her brand.
This quality — emotional truth — is exactly what Funke Akindele has mastered in her own work. From Jenifa’s Diary to Battle on Buka Street, Akindele’s genius lies in making everyday struggles cinematic. Imisi’s ability to channel similar raw emotion makes her a natural fit for that creative universe.
If she continues to nurture this gift, she could evolve into one of Nollywood’s next-generation leading women — actresses who merge realism with cultural resonance.
On social media, her fanbase — Team Imisi Nation — has already grown into a cultural movement. They organize charity drives, post uplifting messages, and defend her from online trolls.
But fame can be fickle. Sustaining momentum requires strategic storytelling. Imisi’s management team is reportedly in talks with PR firms and digital strategists to position her brand beyond BBNaija nostalgia.
She has hinted at a lifestyle vlog, an acting debut, and a youth mentorship foundation — projects that could turn her visibility into legacy.
“I want to use my platform to inspire young girls who think they need to change themselves to be seen. I want to tell them — just be you.”
That authenticity may yet become her greatest legacy.
Imisi’s victory is emblematic of a generation redefining what success means. She represents the post-influencer era — where authenticity, purpose, and connection matter more than vanity metrics.
Her humility reminds Nigerians that the most powerful stars are those who still feel human. In a country weary of political disillusionment and social inequality, her story offers emotional relief — proof that sincerity can still triumph in a cynical world.
As cultural critic Ayo Sogbesan observes:
“Imisi’s story is a cultural reset. She’s not just a celebrity; she’s a mirror. Nigerians are tired of pretence; they want to see themselves — flaws and all — in the people they celebrate.”
The journey ahead will test her resolve. Many BBNaija winners fade within two years, victims of poor decisions and exploitative contracts. But Imisi appears aware of the pitfalls. Her repeated emphasis on mentorship, spirituality, and learning suggests a roadmap toward longevity.
Funke Akindele, her chosen role model, has shown that women in entertainment can transition from fame to influence — and from influence to institution. If Imisi stays the course, she could become not just a star, but a symbol of self-made discipline.
Her next moves — her first film role, her brand partnerships, her public conduct — will determine whether she remains a household name or becomes another fleeting social media trend.
“Funke Akindele is my number one mentor.”
It was a simple statement, yet loaded with aspiration, admiration, and artistic intent. For Imisi, it was not just about name-dropping a famous filmmaker — it was about identifying a future self.
In a nation hungry for hope, her story reminds us that the road from obscurity to visibility is not reserved for the privileged — it is open to anyone willing to show up, stay authentic, and work relentlessly.
She stands now at the threshold of possibility, a young woman armed with fame, faith, and fire. Whether she becomes Nigeria’s next cinematic darling or simply a cultural footnote will depend on how she channels the lessons of those who walked before her.
But one thing is certain: a new chapter in Nigerian pop culture has begun, and at its heart is a girl who dared to dream — and named her dream Funke Akindele.