Imisi, whose full name is Opeyemi Ayanwale, became a household name on October 5, 2025, when she won Big Brother Naija Season 10. At just 23 years old, this bold young woman from Oyo State captured hearts with her honest words and strong spirit. Born on January 24, 2002, Imisi is an Aquarius, known for being creative and true to herself. She entered the house as a fashion designer and actress, ready to show her real self without hiding anything.
Her win was not just about the prize. It was about proving that being open about your struggles can lead to big wins. During the finale, Imisi’s speech thanked her fans and family, saying she learned to love herself more inside the house. This moment went viral, with millions watching on Africa Magic and DSTV. As the fourth female winner in BBNaija history, Imisi joins stars like Mercy Eke from Season 4. Her story inspires young Nigerians to chase dreams in entertainment, fashion, and beyond.
Imisi’s journey shows how a simple girl from Ibadan can shine on national TV. She faced tough times but used them to grow. This biography looks at her life step by step, from her roots in Oyo State to her plans after the win. If you wonder who Imisi really is, read on to learn about her state of origin, school days, job start, and more. Her life proves that hard work and kindness pay off.
Early Life and Family Roots: Born to Inspire in Oyo State
Imisi grew up in Oyo State, a place full of rich Yoruba culture and warm people. She was born in Ibadan, the big city known for its markets and old traditions. Oyo State is home to many creative minds, and Imisi fit right in from a young age. Her family taught her values like respect and hard work, which helped her stay strong later in life.
Life in Oyo was not always easy. Imisi has shared stories of tough moments, like family challenges that made her learn to stand on her own. These early days built her tough side. She loved local festivals, where she saw colorful clothes and dances that sparked her love for fashion. Her Yoruba roots show in how she speaks and dresses, often using fun phrases from her hometown.
Imisi’s family played a key role in her growth. Though she keeps some details private, she often talks about how her parents pushed her to dream big. One painful event from her teen years involved a bad experience at church, where she felt let down by those around her. This taught her to trust her own voice. Today, her family cheers her on, proud of how she turned pain into power.
For readers from Oyo or similar places, Imisi’s story reminds us to hold onto our culture. It shapes who we are. Young people can learn from her: embrace your roots to build a bright future. Oyo State’s lively spirit lives in Imisi, making her a true representative of her home.
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Education and Formative Years: Crafting Confidence at University of Ibadan
Imisi’s school years helped her find her voice and skills. She went to the University of Ibadan, Nigeria’s oldest university, founded in 1948. There, she studied Mass Communication, a field that teaches how to share stories through words and media. This choice fit her love for talking and creating, skills she uses today as an entertainer.
At UI, as students call it, Imisi joined clubs for drama and public speaking. These groups let her practice acting and build confidence. She balanced classes with small jobs, learning to manage time early. Friends say she was always the one with funny stories, making study groups fun.
Her time at university was not without hurdles. Like many students, she faced money worries and family issues. But these built her grit. Imisi graduated around 2023, ready to chase her passions. UI’s campus, with its green lawns and big halls, gave her a safe space to dream.
For students today, Imisi shows how school opens doors. Her Mass Communication degree helped her shine on BBNaija, where clear talking wins fans. Tips from her path: join clubs to practice skills and use breaks to try new things. Her UI days crafted the confident woman we saw in the house.
Professional Beginnings: From Sketchpad to Spotlight as a Fashion Designer and Actress
Before BBNaija, Imisi started her career with a pencil and fabric. As a fashion designer, she made simple, pretty clothes inspired by Yoruba styles. Her designs are affordable and fun, sold on Instagram to young buyers in Ibadan and beyond. She began this hustle while in school, sewing outfits for friends.
Acting came next. Imisi loves Yoruba movies and dreamed of roles that show real life. She took small parts in local films and practiced lines alone. Her natural way of acting caught eyes, leading to more chances. By 2025, she had a small following for her bold screen looks.
These jobs taught her business basics, like talking to customers and handling no’s. Imisi’s side hustles grew her savings and skills. She says fashion and acting mix well, as both let her create beauty from ideas.
Aspiring creators can follow her steps:
- Start small: Sketch designs or film short videos.
- Use social media: Post work to get feedback.
- Learn from fails: Each try makes you better.
Imisi’s early work shows passion plus effort leads to spots like BBNaija. Her occupation as a designer and actress was the base for her big break.
The BBNaija Call: Audition to Entry – Why Season 10 Changed Everything
Imisi’s path to BBNaija started with a simple audition in early 2025. Season 10, called “10/10,” had a theme of perfect matches and fun twists. She applied online, sharing a video of her talking freely about life. Organizers liked her real vibe and picked her from thousands.
Entering the house on July 26, 2025, Imisi felt a mix of excitement and fear. The show ran for 70 days, with 29 housemates competing for N150 million. Her first days set her apart: she made friends fast but spoke up on issues. This honesty drew viewers early.
Season 10 changed Imisi by pushing her limits. She won tasks on creativity and talk, earning praise from host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu. Her journey from outsider to star showed why she joined: to heal and inspire. For fans, it was a fresh take on reality TV, full of laughs and real talks.
Inside the House: Alliances, Drama, and Iconic Moments
Life in the BBNaija house tested Imisi’s heart and mind. She built strong bonds, like with Kola, where friendship turned to light jealousy over his chats with others. On September 14, 2025, she admitted feeling sad about it but learned to let go.
Drama came too. Clashes with housemates like Faith over small things, such as kerosene, showed her fiery side. Yet, Imisi stayed kind, mediating fights and sharing laughs. Her past traumas, like an abusive relationship and loss of a pregnancy, surfaced in talks, helping others open up.
Iconic moments include her funny narrations during games and emotional diary sessions. She won six challenges, proving her smarts. Relationships taught her trust: close with Dede till the end, but solo in romance. Single and healing, Imisi focused on growth.
These times built her. Challenges like feeling ganged up on made her stronger. For viewers, her realness made the show relatable.
Imisi Fan Power and Viral Fame: The Rise of Ijoba 606
Imisi’s fans, called Ijoba 606, turned her into a star. The name, meaning “The Government” in slang, came from housemate Kulture after her strong wager wins. By August 2025, they grew from hundreds to millions, voting her safe each week.
On X and Instagram, Ijoba 606 shared memes of her Yoruba phrases and dances. Posts from October 6, 2025, celebrated her win with hashtags like #ImisiAyanwale. Their power showed in 42.8% finale votes, beating rivals.
This fanbase grew her from 100K followers to over 2 million. They organized online events and defended her from critics. Imisi thanked them in her speech, calling them family.
Building a fanbase like this takes:
- Real talks: Share your true self.
- Fun content: Post laughs and wins.
- Thanks: Reply to supporters.
Ijoba 606 proves loyal fans make dreams real.
The Grand Victory: Crowning Moment and Record-Breaking Win
On October 5, 2025, at the grand finale, Imisi’s name echoed as the winner. She beat Dede, her close friend, with strong votes. The crowd cheered as Ebuka handed her the mic for a tearful thanks to God, family, and fans.
Her win was record-breaking: youngest female victor since Ilebaye in 2023, and fourth woman overall. The prize started at N150 million but dropped to N80 million after immunity buys. It includes cash, a car, and deals.
Key win facts in a list:
- Date: October 5, 2025
- Votes: 42.8%
- Runner-up: Dede from Delta State
- Prize breakdown: N80 million cash, SUV, endorsements
- Impact: Boosted her brand by 200% in followers
This night marked her as BBNaija’s new icon, full of grace under pressure.
Post-Win Vision: Prize Plans, Nollywood Leap, and Legacy Building
Winning changed Imisi’s life overnight. On October 6, 2025, she shared no fixed plans for the N80 million, saying she would get advice from experts first. She wants to invest in her fashion line, opening shops in Oyo and Lagos.
Nollywood calls next. Imisi eyes Yoruba films to tell stories like hers. She plans workshops for youth on mental health, drawing from her healing journey.
Her legacy: Empower Gen Z to be real. Future steps include:
- Grow fashion brand nationally
- Debut in movies by 2026
- Start charity for trauma survivors
- Keep inspiring via social media
Imisi’s vision is smart and kind, turning win into lasting good.
Conclusion
Imisi’s tale from Oyo streets to BBNaija throne shows anyone can rise with heart. Her openness about pains and joys touched millions. As of October 6, 2025, she stands as a role model for dreamers in Nigeria’s creative world.
Her win proves authenticity wins over fakes. Follow her for more: new designs, films, and tips. Imisi’s light keeps shining, urging us to breathe inspiration like her name means.
FAQs
Who is Imisi BBNaija?
Imisi is Opeyemi Ayanwale, the 23-year-old winner of BBNaija Season 10 on October 5, 2025. She is a fashion designer and actress from Oyo State.
Imisi BBNaija age and real name?
She is 23, born January 24, 2002. Real name: Opeyemi Ayanwale.
Imisi BBNaija state of origin?
Oyo State, specifically Ibadan.
Imisi BBNaija occupation?
Fashion designer and aspiring actress.
Imisi BBNaija boyfriend or relationships?
She is single, focusing on self-healing after past heartbreaks.
What is Imisi BBNaija prize money plans?
No set plans yet; she will seek financial advice and invest in fashion and Nollywood.
Imisi BBNaija journey and challenges?
From audition in 2025 to win, she faced dramas like jealousy and traumas but built alliances and won tasks.
Imisi BBNaija future after win?
Expand fashion, enter Nollywood, and start youth mental health programs.