BBNaija S10 Shocker: Sultana’s Heart-Wrenching Revelation – “I Was Married Off at 15, But My Stubbornness Got Me Out” – A Mother’s Triumph Over Early Marriage Trauma
In a moment of raw vulnerability that has left Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) Season 10 viewers in tears and awe, housemate Sultana has bravely shared her harrowing backstory of being forced into marriage at just 15 years old and becoming a mother to two daughters amid the ordeal. The 25-year-old plus-size model and beautician from Adamawa State, already a fan favorite for her bold personality and Northern flair, dropped the bombshell during a candid garden chat with fellow housemate Jason Jae on the live show Sunday evening, sparking widespread admiration and calls for an end to child marriages in Nigeria.
Sultana, whose real name is Farida Sultana Auduson Ibrahim, entered the BBNaija house on July 26 as a vibrant, eccentric contestant ready to challenge stereotypes and represent Northern Nigerian culture. But behind her confident exterior lies a story of resilience forged in adversity. “I was married off really young as a child,” she told Jason, who responded with a shocked “Oh wow, how old were you?” Sultana paused before revealing, “I was about 15.” She emphasized that it wasn’t her choice – a forced union arranged by her family in line with cultural practices prevalent in parts of Northern Nigeria – but her unyielding spirit became her escape route. “Was it something I wanted? No, but it happened and the thing is my stubbornness got me out of it,” she shared, crediting her determination for walking away from the marriage. The conversation, captured on live feeds, quickly went viral, with fans praising her strength and opening up about their own experiences.
The revelation extends to her motherhood journey, which Sultana described with tender pride. She is mom to two girls, Aaliyah and Lianora (or Leonora, as some reports note), both delivered via caesarean section when she was just 16. “Aaliyah and Lianora are my world. I love them so much and cherish them with all my heart,” her team posted on her official X account post-disclosure, managed while she’s in the house. Sultana hinted at the deeper meanings behind her tattoos – including one symbolizing motherhood – calling herself “like an onion; the more you peel, the more you discover.” She reflected on building her life “brick by brick” with family and friends’ support, turning pain into purpose. Her entry into BBNaija, she said, is a platform to inspire young girls in the North facing similar fates: “If I can overcome this, you can too.”
The timing of her story couldn’t be more poignant. Just hours before the chat, Sultana clinched the Head of House (HOH) interim title in Sunday’s challenge, positioning her to defend the role on Monday and gain immunity from eviction. This win, amid Week 5’s nullified nominations (thanks to a Tree of Trinkets twist), has solidified her as a strategic powerhouse – earlier, she explained her nominations stemmed from housemates viewing her as “competition” who targets strong players. Fans on X erupted with support, trending #SultanaStrong and #EndChildMarriage. One post read: “Married at 15, deprived of childhood, yet blessed with two beautiful girls… Sultana, you’ve pulled me out to vote. You’re a strong woman.” Another highlighted: “From being married off at 15 and having kids at 16… to rising strong & unstoppable. She’s a story of HOPE for every girl child.” Even pledges poured in, with reports of a 20 million naira promise for sharing her story.
Sultana’s disclosure has reignited national debates on child marriage, illegal under Nigeria’s Child Rights Act of 2003 but still rampant in some regions, affecting over 44% of girls in the North according to UNICEF data. Advocacy groups like the Girl Child Network have commended her for using her platform to spotlight the issue, with one expert noting, “Stories like Sultana’s humanize the statistics and push for enforcement.” Her journey – from early motherhood and divorce to graduating in Mass Communication from Ahmadu Bello University, building a beauty business, and modeling – embodies empowerment. Pre-show profiles listed her as single with a net worth of $40,000–$70,000, but this revelation adds layers to her “Sultana Empire” fanbase.
BBNaija S10, themed “10/10: The Era of Influence” with a ₦150 million prize, continues to deliver unfiltered realness. Sultana’s arc – from house drama like exposing Victory’s secret marriage proposal to her HOH glow-up – keeps viewers hooked on DStv, GOtv, and Showmax. As she navigates alliances with Big Sosa and faces rivals like Jason, her story transcends the game, becoming a beacon for survivors.
Phynation and Sultana stans are mobilizing votes, with hashtags like #ProtectSultana booming. Will this vulnerability propel her to the finale? One thing’s certain: Sultana’s not just competing – she’s conquering. Stream live for more, and join the conversation on X. In her words, resilience isn’t just a trait; it’s her superpower.