Ilebaye Precious Odiniya, affectionately known as Baye or Gen-Z Baddie, is a name that has been making waves in the world of entertainment and reality TV. Born on 9th May 2001, this talented young Nigerian criminologist, model, and reality TV star has captivated the hearts of many.
Ilebaye Precious Odiniya, also known as Gen-Z Baddie, is a shining star in the Nigerian entertainment industry. Her journey from early acting roles to becoming a Big Brother Naija champion is an inspiring tale of talent, determination, and hard work.
In this article, we delve into the life and career of the winner of Big Brother Naija season 8, Ilebaye Precious Odiniya.
Early Life and Education
Ilebaye hails from the Igala tribe in Kogi State, Nigeria, and her roots are firmly planted in Okpo, Olamaboro local government area in Kogi State. Her journey in education began at Binta International School in Lagos, an institution owned by renowned movie producer Wale Adenuga. It was at this school that she first stepped into the spotlight by featuring in popular TV series such as “Papa Ajasco,” “Super Story,” and “Binta & Friends” from a young age. After her secondary education, Ilebaye furthered her studies in criminology and security studies at Salem University in Lokoja.
Her accomplishments in education and her early forays into the world of entertainment set the stage for her remarkable career.
A Rising Star in the Entertainment Industry
Ilebaye’s journey in the entertainment industry began at a young age, displaying her acting prowess in renowned shows like “Papa Ajasco” and “Nnena and Friends.” Her talent and charm quickly caught the attention of audiences and industry insiders alike, setting her on a path to stardom.
In 2021, she achieved a significant milestone by winning the Finest Girl Democracy Nigeria (FGDN) beauty pageant. Her victory in this pageant further solidified her status as a rising star in Nigeria’s entertainment world.
Big Brother Naija: The Launchpad to Fame
In 2022, Ilebaye ventured into the world of reality TV by participating in the 7th season of Big Brother Naija. She entered the show as the fourth housemate, and while her journey in the house was eventful, she was evicted during the third week. Despite this early exit, it was clear that her charismatic presence had left an indelible mark.
A year later, in July 2023, Ilebaye made a triumphant return to Big Brother Naija, this time as the 13th housemate in the all-star season. Her second stint in the house was nothing short of extraordinary, and during the season finale on 1st October 2023, she was declared the winner. With 30.08% of the final votes, she emerged victorious, leaving a lasting impact on the show and solidifying her place in the hearts of her fans.
As the winner, Ilebaye was entitled to a remarkable ₦120,000,000 (one hundred and twenty million naira) cash prize and other rewards, making her the third female to claim the coveted Big Brother Naija title.