Family of BBA winner speak…‘We regret Karen’s father not alive to witness her success’

Since last Sunday when the results of the Big Brother Africa (BBA) was announced, friends, relations, journalists and curious youngsters have trooped to the house where Karen Igho, who won the recent BBA, lived with her mother and uncle, to congratulate the family. Unfortunately, for most callers, they usually meet an empty house, as the […]

Since last Sunday when the results of the Big Brother Africa (BBA) was announced, friends, relations, journalists and curious youngsters have trooped to the house where Karen Igho, who won the recent BBA, lived with her mother and uncle, to congratulate the family.

Unfortunately, for most callers, they usually meet an empty house, as the uncle whom she was staying with usually goes to work while her mother and the other close relations have all travelled to South Africa for the ceremony.

The house, painted green, has become a center of attraction for youngsters hardly satisfies the curiosity of visitors who are eager to speak with somebody to confirm if actually that is where Karen had lived.

When Weekly Trust called at the residence, a light-complexioned girl of about 13 opened the black gate after several knocks and confirmed that it’s the house where Karen lived but said she cannot say much as her father, Karen’s uncle is not around.

Most youngsters in the area could hardly believe that a person from their neighbourhood had gone that far, to win international fame. A young man who spoke with Weekly Trust said he knows Karen and her family very well and that the whole neighbourhood has been inspired by what she has achieved.

The extended family, having settled in Jos for a long time, however, reside at Apata, another part of the Tin City. Many of the family members are elated about the development and are ready to welcome guests who have come to felicitate with them.

Chief Moses Igho, who is the eldest in the family and is introduced as the elder brother to the father of Karen, Andrew Igho, who is now late, cheerfully received guests while expressing happiness with Karen. “I feel thankful to God,” he said. He added that the entire family is happy with Karen as she has done the family and the entire country proud.

He described her as hardworking, sharp and brilliant and as someone who can easily adapt to any situation she finds herself. “She’s one of the smartest among our daughters.” He said the only regret the family is having is that her father is not alive to witness the greatness his daughter has brought to the family. “It’s unfortunate that Karen’s father is not alive to celebrate this moment with our daughter,” he said.

Weekly Trust found out that Karen’s father took ill between 1999-2000 and did not recover, as it claimed his life. So, after Karen lost her father she relocated to Warri, Delta State, and after some time travelled abroad.

Another of relation, who gave her name as Miriam Igho, said she’s happy with how things turned out for Karen. “I am happy she won the Big Brother Africa. Though we were not brought up together, she is our elder sister who has taught us how to live with people. She’s always herself. I saw her last in 2010 and I am very curious to see her for this celebration,” Miriam added.

For Jenifa and Sarafina Igho, who are her cousins, the excitement is written all over their faces: “I think she showed her real self, she was natural and not artificial like most of the contestants, and that’s why she won,” Jennifer said. Sarafina, who said she saw Karen last in February this year at a Delta State funeral for their grandma, believes her cousin won it because of sheer charisma.

The family is planning a big reception for her on the day she comes to Jos irrespective of other arrangements so as to complement and add colour to whatever has been planned in her honour. “We’re waiting for her,” Sarafina said, smiling.