Okoro Blessing Nkiruka (Blessing CEO)

Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, is a controversial Nigerian relationship therapist, social media influencer, entrepreneur, and author. Born on May 23, 1989, in Onicha Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, she rose to prominence through her outspoken and often polarizing views on relationships, marriage, and personal development. Blessing CEO is known for her bold approach to sensitive topics, which has garnered her a significant following online, as well as a fair share of scandals, controversies, and public feuds.

Early Life and Family

Blessing CEO was born into a family of modest means in Abakaliki, the capital city of Ebonyi State. She is the firstborn in a family of six children. Her father, Mr. Okoro Chijioke, is a retired civil servant, while her mother, Mrs. Okoro Anthonia, is a trader. Growing up in a conservative Igbo household, Blessing developed an independent mindset that later defined her career.

Blessing CEO often credits her upbringing for shaping her resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. Her siblings include two younger brothers and three sisters, none of whom are public figures. However, she has occasionally mentioned her family’s struggles in interviews, using them as a motivational tool for her audience.

Education

Blessing Nkiruka began her early education at Queen’s Model Academy, Abakaliki, before proceeding to Federal Government Girls’ College, Owerri. She pursued higher education at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), where she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Economics in 2011. She has since participated in several self-development courses, particularly in psychology and counseling, which she claims form the foundation of her work as a relationship therapist.

Career and Rise to Fame

Blessing CEO began her career as a teacher and event planner in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, before transitioning into the world of content creation and relationship counseling. She gained prominence in 2018 with her viral posts addressing marital challenges and relationship issues on Instagram and YouTube. Her ability to tackle taboo topics such as infidelity, divorce, and domestic abuse earned her widespread attention.

Blessing is the CEO of Break or Make Up, a platform focused on helping couples navigate the complexities of modern relationships. She also runs a private counseling practice where she provides relationship advice and hosts workshops for women and couples.

Personal Life

Blessing CEO’s personal life has been as controversial as her career. She was married at the age of 21 in 2010 to Mr. Onyeka Ikechukwu, an Igbo businessman from Anambra State. The union ended in a divorce in 2016, with Blessing citing domestic violence as the primary reason for their separation. In a 2019 interview, she revealed that her marriage left her emotionally scarred, a story that resonated with many of her followers.

Blessing is a single mother of two sons, whom she often shares motivational stories about on her platforms. She has remained tight-lipped about her romantic relationships post-divorce but has been linked to several public figures, though none of these rumors have been confirmed.

Scandals and Controversies

Blessing CEO’s career has been marred by a series of high-profile scandals and controversies, which have only fueled her popularity.

2019 – The Onye Eze Mansion Scandal

One of her most notorious controversies occurred in April 2019, when Blessing posted photos of a mansion she claimed to have built as a single mother. Shortly after, it was revealed that the mansion actually belonged to an Onitsha-based businessman, Onye Eze, an Igbo entrepreneur.

The incident escalated when Onye Eze invited police to arrest Blessing at his residence in Onitsha. Videos of her being paraded in handcuffs went viral, causing significant backlash. In a public statement, Onye Eze accused her of lying for clout, while Blessing admitted that the incident taught her humility. Despite the embarrassment, she later leveraged the controversy to gain more followers.

Feud with Tonto Dikeh (2021)

Blessing CEO had a public disagreement with Tonto Dikeh, a fellow Igbo celebrity and actress, in July 2021. The feud began when Blessing criticized Tonto’s approach to exposing her ex-husband, Olakunle Churchill, on social media. Tonto responded with a scathing post, accusing Blessing of hypocrisy and seeking attention. The feud trended on social media for days, with fans taking sides.

Arrest Over Alleged Cyberbullying (2023)

In March 2023, Blessing was arrested by the Lagos State Police for alleged cyberbullying in connection with the case of Bimbo Ogbonna, the late wife of celebrity auto dealer, IVD (Ikechukwu Darry Ogbonna). Blessing had publicly defended IVD, accusing Bimbo’s family of defamation. Her comments sparked outrage, leading to a lawsuit by Bimbo’s family. Blessing spent several days in detention before being released on bail.

Recent Relationship with IVD and Associated Controversies

In late 2024, Blessing CEO publicly confirmed her romantic involvement with Lagos-based auto dealer Ikechukwu Darry Ogbonna, popularly known as IVD. This revelation came approximately two years after the tragic death of IVD’s wife, Bimbo Ogbonna, in October 2022. Bimbo reportedly died from injuries sustained in a fire incident at their home, which was widely alleged to have been a result of domestic violence.

Following Bimbo’s death, Blessing CEO emerged as a vocal supporter of IVD, asserting his innocence in the events leading to his wife’s demise. She publicly claimed that Bimbo had exhibited violent and suicidal behaviors, suggesting that these factors contributed to the tragic incident. These statements sparked significant public outcry, with many accusing Blessing of insensitivity and victim-blaming.

In March 2023, Blessing was arrested by the Lagos State Police on charges related to alleged cyberbullying and defamation connected to her comments about Bimbo’s death. She was subsequently released on bail after spending several days in detention.

In January 2025, during a Facebook Live session with media personality Daddy Freeze, Blessing CEO confirmed her relationship with IVD, describing him as “one of the sweetest people I have ever known” and refuting claims that he was HIV positive. She stated that their relationship evolved from a professional therapist-client dynamic to a romantic one, emphasizing her belief in his innocence regarding the allegations surrounding his late wife’s death.

This development has continued to fuel public discourse, with many expressing concern over the ethical implications of their relationship and the potential impact on the ongoing investigation into Bimbo’s death.

For a more in-depth understanding of the relationship between Blessing CEO and IVD, including the circumstances surrounding Bimbo’s death, you may find the following video informative:

Awards and Recognition

Despite her controversies, Blessing CEO has received recognition for her work in promoting relationship awareness. Some of her notable awards include:

• Most Influential Relationship Expert of the Year (2021) – Nigeria Social Media Awards
• Content Creator of the Year (2022) – African Social Influencers Awards
• Outstanding Women Empowerment Advocate (2023) – Ebonyi State Women Awards

Rumors and Gossip

Blessing has been the subject of numerous rumors, including allegations of romantic relationships with high-profile Nigerian politicians and entertainers. While she has denied these claims, critics argue that her social media presence sometimes fuels such speculation.

Another rumor that gained traction in 2022 suggested that Blessing was planning to run for a political position in Ebonyi State. She dismissed the reports, stating that her focus remained on empowering women and building her counseling brand.

Associations with Igbo Personalities

Blessing CEO has worked with several notable Igbo figures, including:

• Chinonso Arubayi: An actress and advocate, with whom she collaborated on relationship workshops.
• Chika Ike: The Nollywood star has supported Blessing’s Break or Make Up initiatives.
• Reno Omokri: While not Igbo, their online debate on relationships in 2021 garnered attention, with Blessing defending feminist ideals.

Her most publicized feud with an Igbo figure remains her altercation with Onye Eze over the mansion scandal.

Legacy and Impact

Despite her polarizing reputation, Blessing CEO has successfully positioned herself as one of Nigeria’s leading voices on modern relationships. Her ability to turn controversies into opportunities has made her a household name. Love her or hate her, Blessing’s journey exemplifies resilience, self-reinvention, and the power of social media.

References

• BBC News. “Blessing CEO Arrested Over Mansion Claim,” April 2019.
• Vanguard. “Relationship Expert Blessing CEO Released on Bail,” March 2023.
• Punch. “Feud Between Tonto Dikeh and Blessing CEO Trends Online,” July 2021.
• The Guardian Nigeria. “Blessing CEO on Empowering Women Through Relationships,” February 2022.
• Premium Times. “Controversial Relationship Therapist Blessing CEO Shares Lessons From Marriage,” January 2020.

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