Jackie Bent, also known as Jackie B, was the 14th evicted housemate from the 2021 Big Brother Naija ‘Shine your eye’ Season six reality show. In this interview, she narrates her experiences during the show and how she plans to make good use of the platform.
Can you share your experience in the house?
It was an amazing one and a whole new experience for me. I went in to the house to get the whole opportunity and experience the show provides. I learnt so much because I learnt a lot of skills and talents I could build on. I met amazing people and personalities. I have made amazing friendships amongst others, but generally, it was a beautiful experience for me in the house.
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Did you go into the show to win the money or for fame?
My goal was to grow. I went in there for my own personal growth and definitely the money was top on my list but I didn’t make it a ‘do or die’ for the money. I didn’t have the mindset that if I don’t win the money, then I have won nothing. I won in my own rights as well. In fact, going into the house was also a win. I have grown personally and that is a big plus for me. Winning the money was a goal for me but not winning the money didn’t make me loose.
What are we expecting from you using the Big Brother platform?
The platform has given us a lot of exposure. I want to use it to put out my business brand which I had before going into the house. I am an interior designer and a wedding planner and also a fashion business owner. So, for me, I will use the platform to grow my brand and businesses. I am also open to new opportunities. I will try new skills and talents. I want to try on solving some of the various issues we have in the country right now, especially postpartum depression which is a mental ill health most mothers suffer after giving birth. I will be doing charity, as well as touching the areas of kids, single mothers.
You were hardly nominated while in the show, what was the trick?
I had an amazing friendship in the house with most of the housemates. They might have really appreciated me and hardly put me up for eviction.
Almost everyone is relocating to Lagos for the entertainment industry. Are you planning to relocate as well?
Abuja will always be home for me. I grew up in Kaduna and I have been in Abuja for a long time now. I actually plan on investing a lot in Abuja. Of course, there are lots of opportunities in Lagos as well, so I am open to going there more often and spending time there. I can’t say if I will completely relocate, but definitely, Abuja will always be home for me.
Any plans for acting?
The show exposed me to acting. I won’t say I am an actress but I hope to get more training in the industry. If the opportunity comes, I will grab it.
Did your mother support your going into the show?
Very well. My mom has always trusted me because she knows the values she had placed in me. So, she trusts me and gave me all the support I needed to go into the show and while the show was on. My mom knew she had trained me so well so she knew I wouldn’t embarrass her in the show.
However, she gave me rules and regulations to abide by while in the house and I made sure I kept to those rules so that I would disappoint her.
What was your strategy going into the house?
I went in with no strategy rather than being myself. I just wanted to go in and make the best I could of the show. I was evicted at the 7th week and I can tell it was worth it for me.
A lot of people have condemned the show, saying they give you people scripts to abide by and they were not free and fair most times. How true is that?
I do not agree to that. They never gave us any script to act while in the house, they allow us be ourselves on the show. On the selection process, it is unfair to say they weren’t free and fair. People audition and if you get selected, you go in for the show. Every process of the BBN show has always been a free and fair process.
