INTERVIEW: Bella speaks on her relationship on BBNaija, upcoming projects

Despite being the second runner-up at this year’s BBNaija, Chindinma Bella Okagbue says she didn’t achieve her aim of participating in the reality show. In this interview with TheCable Lifestyle’s MUHIBAT SULAIMON, the 25-year-old reality star reflects on her time on the show, her relationship, fear, and post-BBNaija plans.

TheCable Lifestyle: Can you please introduce yourself?

Bella: My name is Bella Chidinma Okagbue. I’m from Anambra state, Onitsha. I’m the last child of six.

TheCable Lifestyle: How do you feel being outside the BBNaija’s house?

Bella: It has been exciting. Being in the house, I always just wanted to be there and was so scared to come out to face the real world. Now that I’m out, I’m super excited and it has been a blessing, to be honest. It has been so much love and I’m overwhelmed by the love.

TheCable Lifestyle: Why were you scared of facing the real world?

Bella: I was just scared because I feel I am not ready for the hate. So, it is a new experience, and being there I was used to the BBNaija’s house and already have the mindset that it is my new home, and the housemates are my people even though we disagreed a lot.

So, coming out is going to be a totally different experience entirely and I was so scared but now I’m super excited to be out, I love what I’m seeing.

TheCable Lifestyle: Do you think you achieved your mission in the show?

Bella: My mission of going to BBNaija was to win the N100 million grand prize so I would say I did not achieve that mission. At the same time, I have achieved so many things, I have grown up and I was able to mingle and make genuine friendships.

TheCable Lifestyle: Have you heard any shocking rumours about yourself since you’ve been out?

Bella: Yes, I have heard a lot of rumours, especially about my family.

TheCable Lifestyle: How do you feel about being on the show for 72days?

Bella: It is really hard to be inside there but easy to be a viewer who judges and comments. The house is a new world entirely that you have to adjust and get used to.

In the house, you have to be patient and have an accommodating spirit. So, being in the house for 72 days is really the hardest thing I have ever done although the best experience ever because I have always wanted to be there.

Being in there for 72 days was difficult but I have no regret at all. Getting to be the second runner-up is a blessing even though I would have loved to win the money but I didn’t expect to get to the finals.

TheCable Lifestyle: During your interview with Ebuka, you said you aren’t friendly. How then did you cope in the house with different personalities?

Bella: Before going into the house, one thing I knew will be very difficult for me was to make friends or relate with people because I am quite uptight and not the most friendly person.

So, that is why I entered the house. Chomzy was my best friend in the house and we had a good relationship even though there are some back and forth. So, I was scared when going to the house but I later found out it’s easy, it is just about your mind and you open it to new experiences.

TheCable Lifestyle: During your stay in the house, you portrayed yourself as a very fashionable person. How would you describe your fashion sense?

Bella: Fashion is everything to me, it means a lot to me. I’m very intentional about what I wear from my shoes, and hair to my dresses. So, when it comes to fashion, I’m a fashion killer. My fashion style is simple and classy because doing too much doesn’t work for me.

TheCable Lifestyle: Before getting in the house, you clearly stated that getting into a relationship was not part of your plans. What changed?

Bella: Yeah, we all had plans before going for the show but there is no rule book for living in BBNaija’s house. All you do is just be yourself and play the game.

So, going into the house, I was so certain I’m going to have a relationship but then the heart wants what it wants. When I got into the place, I started connecting with someone and it happened naturally.

TheCable Lifestyle: In your opinion, why do you think people voted for you till the last day?

Bella: I have been hearing it because I was very real. So, I guess I was just being me and there was no strategy.

TheCable Lifestyle: After BBNaija, what’s next for Bella?

Bella: It is all about growing myself because I’m still a work in progress. Pushing my brand out there and I have so many things to do and I can’t wait to start working on them. I have a clothing line on the way, swimwear, and shades. So it’s going to be majorly fashion and entertainment.

TheCable Lifestyle: Do you think BBNaija is a reflection of society or it influences society?

Bella: I don’t think the show should influence society because, at the end of the day, it is just a show.