Mercy Eke, the first female winner of Big Brother Naija reality show, has lamented that she was accused of engaging in money laundering by those who refused to understand the efforts she has put into the successes she has achieved in the entertainment industry.
Eke was a guest of Chude Jideonwo, host of the TV show, #WithChude, where she discussed accusations the media peddled against her and life after Big Brother Naija.
She said the allegations that she was involved in money laundering was typical of the stigma successful women have to deal with in Nigeria.
Mercy Eke, however, said such speculations are very offensive as it failed to acknowledge efforts, the sleepless night and the hard work we women put to get to where they are.
“They will just take away all effort and tag it as someone is behind you. I am not saying it is bad to have someone behind, if you have a rich boyfriend, some people’s love language might be taking care of you, buying you nice things, and giving you money. However, you will still work hard. They said I do money laundering; they have dealt with me in this industry. I came into this industry without no advice, just myself and my team and I started building brand.”
On her motivation to be in the Big Brother house, she said, “I auditioned four times. I just have that voice in me that says, ‘this is where you will make it’. So, each year when they say, ‘‘try again next year’. I still have that thing in my head that, ‘Okay, I will try’. Back then it was just to be famous”.
