- Tayo, a former Big Brother Africa housemate from Nigeria, represented the country in the ninth season, where he became the runner-up on Day 63.
- Actor, model, and fashionista shares his experience buying and selling second-hand Okrika clothes, often imported from Europe and other countries.
- Faniran shared in a radio interview with the Nollywood on Radio crew that he initially had to buy and sell second-hand clothes.
Akintayo John Faniran, popularly known as Tayo, the runner-up of Big Brother Africa’s ninth season, has opened up about his early struggles before fame. In a candid radio interview with the Nollywood on Radio crew, the actor, model, and fashionista shared how he once bought and sold second-hand clothing, also known as Okrika, as part of his humble beginnings.
“I remember those days when I used to go to Kantangua to buy Okrika and re-sell. I remember how I used to get clothing materials; take them to a tailor to give me a great design when I couldn’t afford designers. I am a thorough Oyo born. I don’t lie and pretend about that. I’m a Yoruba boy first and foremost, and I don’t hide that fact; neither am I ashamed of my origin. I speak a lot of Yoruba, but people don’t know,” he said.
The former reality TV star revealed that his ability to spot opportunities has always been one of his strengths, which has helped him navigate through life’s challenges. Despite being the least educated in his family, with only a Higher National Diploma in Maritime Studies, he recalled his academic excellence, stating that his teachers were always proud of him and would often commend his brilliance to his parents.
