The Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello has extended his warm congratulations to Ilebaye Odiniya, the winner of Big Brother Naija All Stars Season 8.
Ilebaye Odiniya was crowned as the winner of the reality Television show which ended on Sunday. The 22-year-old defeated Mercy Eke and won the N120 million grand prize.
Congratulating the TV show winner, the governor in a statement said Ilebaye victory confirmed her brilliance, perseverance and humility.
Bello described the criminology graduate of Salem University, Lokoja, as a true trendsetter and Kogi’s pride.
The statement signed by Onogwu Muhammed, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor read, “I’m delighted to congratulate one of our own in Kogi State, Ilebaye Odiniya, for emerging as the winner of the Big Brother Naija Allstars Season reality television show.
“Ilebaye, you are a Trendsetter who has excelled in both academic and social spheres, and this victory is a testament to your brilliance, intellect, and maturity. Your determination, resilience, and poise set you apart during the three months you spent in the house,” he added.
The governor also, commends the outstanding performance of Kogi youths in various academic and social endeavors.
He recalled Oluwabukolami Adeyemi, a Kogi youth who won an international scholarship for further education after emerging as the overall in the 2022 Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge AS Level Examinations.
According to him, both Ilebaye and Oluwabukolami served as beacons of inspiration and motivation to other youths, not only in Kogi but across Nigeria.