Mercy Eke regrets joining BBNaija despite fame, rewards

Big Brother Naija Season 4 winner, Mercy Eke, says she regrets participating in the reality television show despite acknowledging that it transformed her life and career.

Speaking on Toke Moments, a show hosted by media personality Toke Makinwa, Eke said the fame that came with winning the 2019 edition had robbed her of the privacy she once enjoyed.

“I regret going to Big Brother, even though I love the benefits that come from it,” she said.

According to the reality star, constant public attention and scrutiny have made it difficult for her to live peacefully, noting that she often compares her situation with people who have achieved success away from the spotlight.

“I wish I didn’t go because I have friends and I know people who have passed me, but nobody is talking about them because they are not out there. But me, I’m not doing anything, and I can’t even sleep at night,” she said.

Eke also reflected on her return for the BBNaija All Stars edition, revealing that she went back with hopes of winning the prize money but found the competition far more intense than she expected.

“I felt like all of us had money already, but a lot of people were not acting like they didn’t have money before. They were more hungry than me,” she said, adding that she would not participate in the show again.

Speaking on her career, Eke said she remains focused on self-improvement by setting personal goals and drawing inspiration from successful Nigerian women.

“I work hard, I challenge myself, I set goals for myself. A lot of that drives me to become a better version of myself and keep getting things done,” she said.

The entrepreneur also dismissed rumours that her lifestyle is financed by a married man, saying she has been in a relationship with a single partner for the past four years.

Eke, who recently completed a master’s degree in the United Kingdom, said the programme broadened her understanding of business and financial management.

“No knowledge is a waste,” she said.