Josephina Ijeoma Otabor or as she is popularly known, Phyna, the winner of Big Brother Naija Season 7, recently addressed critics during a live stream about her working as a waitress. She questioned why people see it as something shameful or embarrassing because she is a star.
She explained that there is nothing wrong with honest work. According to her, a man once walked into a place where she was working as a waitress, and the man was bashing her, and she saw no reason to feel ashamed about it. She stressed that work is work.
Phyna pointed out that brand deals are not working with her. If brands choose not to work with her, she must find other ways to earn a living. She added that even a regular 9-to-5 job might fall short of her financial needs, as many such jobs in Nigeria pay around ₦300,000 monthly, which may be insufficient considering her lifestyle and responsibilities. 
She said being a public figure comes with added pressure. People often expect celebrities to pay for things simply because they are popular. This creates more financial strain.
READ ALSO: ‘We Need Justice’- Phyna Reacts to the Release of Ilebaye’s Father From Custody
Phyna questioned the double standard in how people view work. She noted that many Nigerians travel abroad and take up jobs such as cleaning, nanny services, or waiting tables, and people do not insult them for it. However, the same kind of work attracts criticism when done locally.
She told people to respect one another and avoid bringing others down. She said that if being rude and disrespectful is what attracts attention and views, she does not support it.
Her video stirred conversations online, some people praised her honesty and humility, while others questioned how she spent her money after winning ₦ 100 million from Big Brother Naija. Some claimed that she may be going through financial difficulties.
In another TikTok live, she said when she left the Big Brother House, no one told her to invest, her family members came to her with their financial difficulties, like building boreholes and helping out the sick and she did it freely.
Despite the criticism, several people defended her and said there is nothing wrong with admitting that life can change. They also stated that people should respect honest work, regardless of the job.
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