“He didn’t win BBNaija show but won in life” – Banky W pours encomium on Ebuka Uchendu

Nigerian singer Bankole Wellington, better known as Banky W, is praising his friend and former BBNaija star, Ebuka Uchendu.

In a lengthy post on his Instagram page, he said that when one thinks of Ebuka, one shouldn’t think of fashion, fame, or fortune but resilience. He explained that before Ebuka became one of the most in-demand personalities in African history, he was an unknown contestant.

He noted that Ebuka didn’t come first, second, or third on the show but eighth, yet has become a global figure. Banky stressed that Ebuka didn’t win the show, but won in life.

Using him as a case study, he stated that one should learn to have courage, consistency and commitment to be the best version of oneself and stay true to it.

“When you think of Ebuka, don’t just think fashion, fame, or fortune. Think resilience.

Before he became one of the most in-demand, recognisable, and well-paid media personalities in African history, he was an unknown contestant on the first edition of Big Brother Nigeria—a contestant who didn’t come 1st, 2nd, or 3rd, but 8th.

He didn’t win the show, but he won in life. Year after year, as the unmistakable, irreplaceable face of the franchise, he has become synonymous with the show and is visible all over the continent.

But this isn’t a story about TV shows and endorsement deals… It’s more about having the courage, consistency and commitment to be the best version of yourself and staying true to it.

As we sat there, toasting to the originality of Ebuka, Osas and Egbon Steez… I remembered the first miracle Jesus performed when He turned water into wine. That miracle only happened after the servants were obedient and diligent enough to fill all the jars with water, bucket after bucket, trip after trip. No matter how thankless and tiring it might have seemed at the time. And it was only when the jars were full that Christ said, “Now draw some out”.

We never know when grace will breathe on our efforts and give us the moment that will change everything. Our job is to keep filling the jars.

That’s Ebuka’s story.
Hosting Rubbing Minds.
Writing for Newspapers.
Earning his Master’s degree.
Hosting debates.
Wearing agbadas to his friend’s wedding.

Taking opportunities that didn’t always pay, but always prepared. Every degree, every column, every article was another trip to the well. Until God said “Now”.

And I’m grateful to still be here to witness his journey. What a beautiful “Now” it is.

Success takes grace and grind. The grace is from God. The grind is from you.

So, while we take this moment to congratulate Ebuka, Osas and Egbon Farooq, perhaps we should also use it to question ourselves.

What does “filling jars” look like in your life?”.

Ebuka Uchendu has undoubtedly come a long way in his career.