Chinonso Ibinabo Opara

KimOprah (Chinonso Ibinabo Opara) is a Nigerian media personality, entrepreneur, and former contestant on Big Brother Naija. 

Early Life and Education

KimOprah, born Chinonso Ibinabo Opara on December 15, 1995, hails from Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area, Imo State, in the southeastern region of Nigeria. Although she is originally of Igbo descent, she spent part of her early years in Lagos, a cosmopolitan hub that influenced her exposure to media, fashion, and public life from a young age. She grew up in a middle-class household where she was raised with strong values centered around resilience, discipline, and self-expression. KimOprah has often credited her upbringing for shaping her drive and work ethic.

From a young age, she exhibited a flair for public speaking, modeling, and stage performance. These early interests would later play a significant role in her career choices. She also had a keen interest in understanding human behavior, which may have influenced her decision to pursue psychology as a field of study.

KimOprah attended primary and secondary schools in Nigeria, where she emerged not just as a bright student, but also as a confident leader among her peers. Her eloquence and poise earned her roles in school presentations and beauty pageants during her teenage years.

For her higher education, KimOprah enrolled at the University of Port Harcourt, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Guidance and Counselling. Her academic background provided her with a solid understanding of human relations, emotional intelligence, and communication — tools that would later prove beneficial in her media and reality TV career. While at the university, she continued to build her portfolio in pageantry and media-related ventures, participating in competitions and grooming herself for the limelight.

Her time at the university not only sharpened her academic capacity but also enhanced her confidence in front of the camera. The discipline from her educational path, combined with her innate charisma, laid the foundation for her future success as a media personality, TV host, and entrepreneur.

Career

Early Career and Pageantry (2014–2018)

KimOprah’s career journey began in the world of beauty pageants and modeling. Around 2014, shortly after completing secondary school, she started participating in local and national beauty contests, where her poise, eloquence, and unique personality quickly set her apart. She competed in several beauty pageants like; Miss Glamorous, Miss Tourism and Miss University Africa. Her breakthrough came when she represented Nigeria at the Miss Intercontinental pageant, a prestigious international competition that showcased her on a global stage and gave her valuable exposure in the beauty and fashion industries.

During this period, KimOprah also began exploring media-related opportunities. She honed her skills in public speaking and presentation, often using these platforms to advocate for confidence and empowerment among young women. This phase was crucial for building her personal brand and laying the groundwork for her future in television and entertainment.

Breakthrough: Big Brother Naija Season 4 – Pepper Dem (2019)

KimOprah rose to national prominence in 2019 when she became a contestant on Big Brother Naija Season 4 (Pepper Dem), one of Nigeria’s most popular reality TV shows. Entering the house as a vibrant and outspoken personality, she quickly captivated viewers with her distinct Nigerian accent, candidness, and strategic gameplay.

Although her stay in the house was relatively brief-lasting just 15 days before eviction in the second week, her impact was significant. She showcased strong interpersonal skills, winning the veto power competition during her time, and was admired for her authenticity and resilience in a highly competitive environment. Her participation in Big Brother Naija expanded her fanbase exponentially and opened doors for future media engagements.

Media and Presenting Career (2020–2022)

Following her Big Brother Naija exposure, KimOprah transitioned smoothly into the media industry. Between 2020 and 2022, she developed a career as a TV presenter and media personality. She notably hosted Trending on Hip TV, a popular entertainment and lifestyle show, where her charismatic on-screen presence and ability to engage with guests and audiences alike earned her recognition and respect within the Nigerian entertainment community.

In addition to television presenting, KimOprah was active in content creation and brand collaborations, leveraging her rising influence to promote fashion, lifestyle, and beauty brands. This period also marked the launch of her personal branding initiatives, where she began to establish a unique voice as an entrepreneur and influencer.

Entrepreneurial Ventures and Return to Big Brother Naija (2023–Present)

In 2023, KimOprah further diversified her career by founding Kim’s Secret, a skincare and beauty brand that reflects her passion for self-care and empowerment. Her business quickly garnered attention for its commitment to quality and inclusivity, with plans to expand into a physical walk-in store and spa. Parallel to this, she launched Keep It Moving Travel, a lifestyle and travel blog aimed at inspiring adventurous living and exploration.

That same year, KimOprah made a notable return to reality TV as a Guest housemate on Big Brother Naija All-Stars (2023), re-entering the competition to bring a fresh dynamic to the house. Although her second stint lasted 22 days, she once again demonstrated maturity, confidence, and a strengthened media presence, solidifying her place as a respected figure in Nigeria’s entertainment landscape.

Her career today is marked by a balance of media engagements, entrepreneurial pursuits, and personal brand development. KimOprah continues to grow her influence as a public figure who combines entertainment, business acumen, and advocacy for self-belief and ambition.

Notable Collaborations

Over the years, KimOprah has built a strong portfolio of collaborations across fashion, lifestyle, beauty, travel, and entertainment. Her elegance, articulate personality, and broad audience appeal have made her a valuable brand ambassador and influencer for both Nigerian and international companies. These collaborations have significantly contributed to her visibility, credibility, and status as a top-tier media personality.

Fashion and Beauty Brands

As a former beauty queen and style icon, KimOprah has collaborated with several premium fashion and beauty brands, lending her image and influence to promote their products and collections. Some of her most notable partnerships include:

• PayPorte – The online fashion retail brand worked with KimOprah during and after her BBNaija appearance, leveraging her modeling background and media presence for product campaigns.
• Zikel Cosmetics – She collaborated with the Nigerian makeup brand in promoting makeup essentials, blending her experience in beauty pageantry with modern branding aesthetics.
• Blemiviv Skincare – As a brand ambassador, KimOprah championed skincare routines and products for the Nigerian beauty audience, contributing to the brand’s market reach.

Her own brand, Kim’s Secret, also reflects her knowledge and experience in this space, positioning her not only as an influencer but also as a creator of beauty solutions.

Influencer Partnerships and Sponsored Campaigns

KimOprah has served as a lifestyle influencer, working with top marketing agencies and direct clients to push campaigns across social media. These campaigns have included:

• House of Lunettes – A sunglasses and eyewear brand that featured KimOprah as a style muse for its collection, aligning her image with bold, fashion-forward aesthetics.
• GetFit Nigeria – A fitness and waist-trainer brand she endorsed, promoting healthy living and body positivity.
• Remy Martin Nigeria – She appeared in branded events and content aimed at promoting luxury drinking culture among the urban youth demographic.

These partnerships highlighted her versatility in merging lifestyle content with consumer branding, particularly on Instagram and event appearances.

Travel and Hospitality Collaborations

With the launch of her travel lifestyle platform, Keep It Moving Travel, KimOprah has begun to partner with tourism brands, hotel chains, and travel logistics providers to curate and promote vacation experiences, travel packages, and destination features.

Her collaborations in this area have included:

• FlyBoku.com – A Nigerian travel agency promoting domestic and international holiday packages.
• The Dubai Tourism Board (via influencer trips) – Participated in influencer tours and sponsored content promoting Dubai as a tourism destination.
• ShortLet apartments & lifestyle hotels in Lagos and Abuja – Collaborated for promotional stays and video content.

Her travel content often blends elegance with exploration, appealing to millennials and Gen Z audiences interested in aspirational lifestyle and leisure.

Media and Entertainment

KimOprah’s visibility in media extends beyond presenting. She has been invited to host or co-host entertainment segments and red-carpet events. Some media and entertainment partnerships include:

• Hip TV – Served as host of the entertainment program Trending, interviewing celebrities, covering music trends, and shaping pop culture narratives.
• Africa Magic – Participated in promotional content for Big Brother Naija-related events and media interviews.
• MTV Base Africa – Collaborated for lifestyle and youth-focused campaigns and appearances.

These collaborations not only reflect KimOprah’s marketability but also reinforce her as a multi-dimensional talent, able to cross into fashion, wellness, media, and travel while staying grounded in authenticity and aspirational appeal.

Controversy

While KimOprah has largely maintained a graceful and reserved public persona, her involvement in reality TV, particularly Big Brother Naija, inevitably placed her under intense public scrutiny. The nature of reality television, with its amplified emotions and nationwide spotlight, has occasionally entangled her in controversy, most of which stemmed from her interpersonal dynamics with fellow housemates and public reactions to her perceived persona.

1. Accusations of Arrogance in Big Brother Naija House (2019)

During her time in the BBNaija Season 4: Pepper Dem house in 2019, KimOprah was labeled by some viewers as “condescending” and “too proud.” Her confident posture, refined accent, and direct communication style led to public speculation that she looked down on her fellow housemates. Some Twitter users accused her of being “classist” and “snobbish,” especially in her interactions with housemates from more modest backgrounds.

In response to such criticism after her eviction, KimOprah clarified:

“I’ve always been confident in who I am. If confidence is mistaken for pride, then maybe people need to reexamine how women who know their worth are perceived.”

This quote resonated with her fanbase, many of whom defended her as misunderstood and unfairly judged for displaying self-assuredness in a highly competitive space.

2. Relationship Rumors and “Situationships”

Following her BBNaija debut, KimOprah became a recurring topic in conversations involving romantic speculation. She was publicly linked to fellow housemate Gedoni Ekpata and later to Omashola Oburoh, though none of these relationships were officially confirmed.

However, the most talked-about situation was her alleged romantic history with Cross (Ikechukwu Sunday Okonkwo) before the All-Stars season in 2023. When KimOprah returned as a fake housemate in the BBNaija All Stars edition, Cross expressed discomfort with her presence, alluding to unresolved feelings and emotional tension.

Cross remarked during a private conversation:

“She knows how I feel… I just didn’t expect to be put in the same space with her again like this.”

KimOprah, however, remained composed and emotionally guarded. When quizzed about the rumors during post-eviction interviews, she stated:

“People will always speculate. Cross is a great guy, but I came here for the game, not for relationship drama.”

The ambiguity surrounding their connection fueled more speculation online, with fans arguing over whether she “led him on” or simply chose to focus on her strategy.

3. Claims of Being Used for Ratings

Some fans and media analysts criticized the organizers of BBNaija All-Stars (2023) for bringing KimOprah in as a “fake housemate”, alleging that her presence was only to stir tension and boost viewership. Critics felt that the show exploited her image and previous relationships for drama without giving her a fair chance to compete.

In an interview with Pulse Nigeria, she addressed this subtly, saying:

“I understood the assignment. It was a twist. I came, I delivered, and I left with my peace.”

Her mature response earned her applause from those who saw her as a victim of scripted chaos in reality television.

Despite these moments of public conflict and speculation, KimOprah has consistently emerged with grace and poise. Her ability to maintain her dignity in the face of misinterpretation and online backlash has become a defining feature of her brand. Rather than fueling controversy, she often uses such moments to champion self-worth, emotional intelligence, and the right of women to be confident without being labeled.

Awards and Recognition

• Represented Nigeria at the Miss Intercontinental World Pageant (2018)
• Winner – Miss Tourism Nigeria (2015)
• Best Dressed Female – The Future Awards Africa (2020, nominee)
• Most Fashionable Reality TV Star – Glamsquad Magazine Awards (2021)
• Recognized as one of the Top 10 Most Influential BBNaija Housemates – Vanguard (2022)
• TV Personality of the Year (Nominee) – Nigeria Women Achievers Awards (2023)
• Featured in Guardian Life’s “Most Inspiring Women in Media” – Guardian Nigeria (2023)
• Named among “100 Most Stylish Nigerian Celebrities” – Pulse Nigeria (2024)

Philanthropy

KimOprah has consistently used her platform to promote causes that align with education, mental health awareness, women empowerment, and youth development. Though not always loud about her charitable work, she has taken deliberate steps to contribute to the well-being of others through public advocacy, grassroots engagement, and personal initiatives.

Educational Outreach

KimOprah has been actively involved in promoting access to education for underprivileged children. In several interviews, she emphasized her desire to “give back” by supporting schoolchildren with books, uniforms, and learning materials, especially in rural communities across southeastern Nigeria.

As part of her birthday celebration in past years, she reportedly organized school visits and partnered with NGOs to distribute educational supplies. Though not formally branded under a foundation, these efforts have become a consistent part of her off-camera contributions.

“Education is a tool of liberation, especially for young girls. I want to help them believe they are more than their environment.”

Women Empowerment & Mentorship

KimOprah is a vocal supporter of women’s rights and empowerment. She frequently collaborates with small female-owned businesses by offering free promotions and product placements on her platforms. She also engages in virtual mentorship, sharing advice on self-confidence, personal branding, and entrepreneurship through social media and panel discussions.

Through her brand, Kim’s Secret, she mentors young women in the skincare and beauty space—helping them understand branding, market strategy, and customer relations.

Mental Health Advocacy

With a degree in Psychology, KimOprah has lent her voice to mental health awareness campaigns, especially on topics like self-esteem, emotional trauma, and identity. She has supported World Mental Health Day and shared resources to her fans, often encouraging them to seek therapy and embrace emotional intelligence.

In one of her media appearances, she said:

“Mental health is not a ‘white people problem.’ It’s our problem too. The more we talk about it, the more lives we save.”

Charity Campaigns & Collaborations

KimOprah has partnered with charity organizations and participated in fundraising and outreach programs. Some of her collaborative efforts include:

• Slum2School Africa – Advocacy for children’s access to education
• She Leads Africa – Participation in conversations around female leadership
• Stand to End Rape (STER) – Social media awareness around gender-based violence

Though she hasn’t formally launched a foundation, KimOprah’s philanthropic activities continue to reflect a deep sense of responsibility and commitment to social causes.

Entrepreneur

1. Kim’s Secret (Skincare Brand)

Launched in early 2020 in collaboration with Ewami Essentials, Kim’s Secret is a natural skincare line offering body wash, scrubs, lotions, face salves, and oils. The brand promotes 100% organic, unisex skincare alternatives, steering clear of skin-bleaching products. KimOprah describes the line as a reflection of her personal skincare routine.

2. Kim Oprah’s Closet (Fashion Retail Brand)

This fashion venture focuses on trendy and affordable ready-to-wear pieces for women. It includes tops, dresses, skirts, and activewear, inspired by KimOprah’s personal style and presence in the Nigerian fashion scene.

3. Keep It Moving Travel (Lifestyle & Travel Platform)

KimOprah co-founded Keep It Moving Travel, a digital lifestyle and tourism brand that promotes African destinations, travel culture, and curated experiences. The platform encourages young Africans to explore and appreciate the continent through modern storytelling.

Personal Life 

Family

KimOprah was born into a modest and loving family in Imo State, Nigeria, raised by her late father, Dr. Ukachi Opara, and her mother, Mrs. Opara, who served in the military. Her father passed away when she was very young, an event she says profoundly shaped her childhood and perspective on life. She grew up alongside two siblings: Chinedu Kelechi Opara, her brother, who resides in Abuja.Dr. Chioma Opara, her elder sister, a medical doctor with a professional career in Nigeria. KimOprah often credits her mother’s resilience and work ethic as the guiding force in her life:

“Growing up with a single mom really influenced my passion … my mother had to do two to three jobs to be able to put food on our table and ensure we have everything we wanted. So I’ve actually been working from a very young age.” 

Following her father’s death, she and her sister moved into a military barracks in Abuja, where they sold sachet water, recharge cards, and eggs during her time at the University of Port Harcourt:

“After my dad’s death, my mother was in the military. So we had to move into the barracks in Abuja … During my time at the University of Port Harcourt, my sister and I took on the responsibility of selling recharge cards, pure water, and eggs … Honestly, I’m just happy that I went through it because it really shaped me and made me stronger.” 

KimOprah describes herself as the youngest in a family of three children, raised with Christian values and a deep sense of discipline and resilience.

As of now, she is not married, and there are no confirmed reports of her being in a public relationship. While she has been romantically linked to a few fellow reality stars in the past, including speculations involving Tobi Bakre and Cross, she has neither confirmed nor denied these claims. Her approach to relationships has remained discreet, often choosing to keep her emotional life away from public scrutiny.

Estimated Net Worth

KimOprah is estimated to be worth between $300,000 and $500,000, earned through brand endorsements, media appearances, and entrepreneurial ventures.

References

• Wikipedia. (n.d.). Kim Oprah – Biography. In Wikipedia. Retrieved August 3, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim_Oprah
• TheCityCeleb. (2024, June 15). BBNaija Kim Oprah biography: Age, net worth, husband, state of origin, height, Instagram, Wikipedia. TheCityCeleb. Retrieved August 3, 2025, from https://www.thecityceleb.com/biography/personality/kim-oprah-biography/
• NaijaBiography. (2024, March 2). Kim Oprah biography: Early life, career, net worth. NaijaBiography. Retrieved August 3, 2025, from https://naijabiography.com/biography/kim-oprah/
• LifePages. (2024, April 20). Kim Oprah BBN biography. LifePages.com.ng. Retrieved August 3, 2025, from https://lifepages.com.ng/kim-oprah-bbn-biography/
• AbujaPress. (2023, September 28). I’ve traveled to more than 30 countries – Kim Oprah. AbujaPress. Retrieved August 3, 2025, from https://abujapress.com/ive-traveled-to-more-than-30-countries-kim-oprah/
• PowerOfNaija. (2024, January 5). BBNaija Kim Oprah biography, age, net worth, husband, state of origin, height, Instagram. PowerOfNaija. Retrieved August 3, 2025, from https://powerofnaija.com/bbnaija-kim-oprah-biography/
• ParrotMouthBlog. (2023, November 10). From humble beginnings: BBN star Kim Oprah shares her life story. ParrotMouthBlog. Retrieved August 3, 2025, from https://parrotmouthblog.com/from-humble-beginnings-kim-oprah-life-story/
• DNBStories. (2024, February 12). Updated net worth of ex-BBNaija housemate Kim Oprah. DNBStories Africa. Retrieved August 3, 2025, from https://dnbstories.com/2024/02/kim-oprah-net-worth.html
• LotsOfEntertainment. (2024, May 18). Kim Oprah biography. LotsOfEntertainment. Retrieved August 3, 2025, from https://lotsofentertainment.com/kim-oprah-biography/
• StreetJournal. (2023, December 22). Kim Oprah: I am obsessed with Kim Kardashian. StreetJournal.org. Retrieved August 3, 2025, from https://streetjournal.org/kim-oprah-i-am-obsessed-with-kim-kardashian/
• NewsBroadcast. (2024, March 29). Kim Oprah BBNaija biography, net worth, age, state of origin. NewsBroadcast Nigeria. Retrieved August 3, 2025, from https://newsbroadcast.com.ng/kim-oprah-bbnaija-biography/
• People. (2023, October 14). All about Oprah Winfrey’s siblings. People Magazine. Retrieved August 3, 2025, from https://people.com/oprah-winfrey-siblings-7509183

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