Former Big Brother Naija housemate Tochi Okechukwu has advised ex-housemates who are struggling after the reality show to look beyond their celebrity status and focus on building their careers and businesses.
Tochi, who was a housemate on the 2020 BBNaija Lockdown season, shared the advice on X while encouraging his former colleagues not to depend solely on the fame that comes with participating in the reality show.
According to the reality TV star, appearing on BBNaija does not automatically guarantee long-term success. He said former housemates should be prepared to work hard, pursue opportunities and create their own paths after leaving the show.
Tochi explained that he stopped viewing himself primarily as a reality TV personality in 2024 and now identifies more with his work as a businessman. He stressed that every former housemate has a different journey and that success does not come at the same pace for everyone.
He also urged ex-housemates going through difficult periods to put aside the mindset of being celebrities and return to the basics of working, hustling and developing themselves.
The former housemate further advised his colleagues to surround themselves with people who support, motivate and encourage them rather than those who constantly remind them of their celebrity status.
Tochi's comments come amid renewed conversations about the challenges some reality TV stars face after their time in the spotlight. While BBNaija can provide contestants with visibility, opportunities and a large audience, maintaining success after the show often requires continued effort and the ability to turn popularity into sustainable work or business ventures.
His message was also linked to recent discussions surrounding former BBNaija housemates who have publicly spoken about experiencing financial or personal difficulties after leaving the show.
Tochi's advice ultimately encourages former housemates to see BBNaija as a platform rather than a guarantee of success, while focusing on personal growth, hard work and building a life beyond reality television.