“I was always begging for love” – Phyna speaks on tough upbringing

Winner of Big Brother Naija Level Up season, Ijeoma Josephine Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, talks about the struggles that shaped her early years.

During a recent interview, the reality star reflected on her childhood and the difficult experiences she went through while growing up.

Phyna revealed that the name her parents originally gave her was Blessing, but she never felt connected to it because her life at the time didn’t feel like one filled with blessings.

“The name given to me by my parents is Blessing,” she said.

“My reason for hating that name was that I don’t see a sense of blessing in my life.”

According to her, she often felt like she was constantly seeking affection and validation from people around her.

“It felt like I was always begging for love family love, friendship, even in relationships. Even, in fact, dem don use am curse me,” she shared.

The BBNaija star described her growing-up years as chaotic and emotionally draining, saying she missed out on many opportunities that other teenagers enjoyed.

“All aspects of growing up for me were very cràzy. As a teenager, there are things you could get from parents and family, but I didn’t have that,” she explained.

Despite the hardships, Phyna said she always carried a strong belief that her future would be different.

Even when she was being scolded or mistreated by relatives, she would boldly tell them that one day they would see her on television.

“I knew for one that I was going to be big,” she said.
“Growing up, I would always tell my aunts, even when they beat or maltreated me, that I would tell them they would watch me on Television and I would have money.”

Today, that childhood declaration has become reality, as Phyna has grown into one of Nigeria’s most talked-about reality TV personalities.