Bolanle Okhiria came in as a replacement in the house before she went on to win the contest. Now 22 ,Bolanle popularly called Kokolet 1, takes us through her experience as D’banj’s official one-year date and life in and outside the Koko Mansion.
While many ladies wouldn’t mind auditioning naked just to spend some time with sex symbol and pop singer, D’banj, Bolanle’s reason for taking part in Koko Mansion was totally different.
Today she’s living with HiTv’s disappointment as the competition has failed to deliver her utmost desire. Ms B is fun, unassuming and open in this interview with Lolade Sowoolu. Enjoy the excerpts.
My name is Bolanle Okhiria.
I’m from Edo state. I’m the second born and second girl in a family of five children. I’m a student of Lagos State University, studying Marketing. I’m also a student of the Advertising Practitioners’ Council of Nigeria (APCON).
A bit about growing up.
Childhood was great. I grew up in Lagos, where I still live with my Family. It was really fun because I have three older sisters so I learnt a lot about what it means to be a girl. I have been very close to my mum since childhood. She is the kind of mum that gives you breathing space. She gives you room to be very open with her.
How did you get to know about the Koko Mansion Reality Show?
I saw it on Tv the first time. I chilled until I saw it for the second time to be sure of what exactly they were looking for. The second time I did, I saw that they were looking for an ideal lady and that her talents were going to be harnessed for a year.
That part really got me because I have always wanted to be a presenter. Presenting has always been my passion so I felt since I have got all the qualities of an ideal lady, going on this show will help me get my talents harnessed for a year. That was cool for me so I went to pick the form.
So the fact that the winner would have her talents groomed was the attraction for you…
Yes, so I filled in the form on-line and sent my pictures. I got called after a week or two, and later I got a message asking me to come for auditions. I went and showcased my talents.
What was the auditioning environment like?
It was crazy. I saw a lot of girls wearing really skimpy things. You would have thought someone was shooting a video. I was lost for what exactly was going on there.
Immediately I saw the ladies (other hopeful participants) at the audition I thought to myself that these (the ladies) people thought they were going to see D’banj here. They almost made me feel I wasn’t appropriately dressed.
How were you dressed?
I was wearing a regular jeans and a top but I made sure I was looking good. I’m a kind of person who likes to keep it simple yet get the compliments.
What booties did you get for winning?
Basically five million naira and a jeep.
What did you learn?
That’s one part I’ll always cherish about Koko Mansion, I learnt a whole lot. From etiquettes to how to compose yourself as a lady outside the mansion and the creative tasks that brought out my creative side. Some ladies came to teach us on our diction and pronunciation.
Sometimes we had surprise guests coming to inspire and motivate us. It was cool . Mummy Bukky Ajayi particularly motivated me. We had musicians, actresses, fashion designers and the pool side was fun to play around.
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