Former Big Brother Naija star and accomplished actress Bisola Aiyeola has shared a deeply personal account of her early motherhood journey, revealing how her mother’s steadfast support became a cornerstone in her life despite initial emotional turmoil. During a candid interview with Nolly Wire, Aiyeola opened up about the pivotal moment when she discovered her unexpected pregnancy at a young age and how her mother’s response ultimately shaped both her personal and professional trajectory.
When asked to recount a life-changing moment when someone steered her in a positive direction, Aiyeola didn’t hesitate to credit her mother as that guiding force. “I have had several instances, I will say one I was nudged by my mum,” she began, before delving into the emotional complexity of that period. Though her mother was initially “really emotional and sad” upon learning about the pregnancy, what followed was a remarkable demonstration of maternal solidarity that transcended disappointment.
“She told me, ‘Don’t worry, have the baby. When you have the baby, I will look after her, so you can go back to work or whatever it is you want to do,'” Aiyeola recalled. This promise—made during what was undoubtedly a challenging moment for both women—became the foundation for a multigenerational support system that continues to this day. “To this day, my mother still helps out with my daughter,” the entertainer acknowledged, highlighting the enduring nature of that initial commitment.
The revelation provides a rare glimpse into the private struggles behind Aiyeola’s public success story. Though now recognized as a multifaceted entertainer with accomplishments spanning reality television, acting, and music, her journey began with navigating the complexities of early motherhood while simultaneously pursuing her career ambitions—a balancing act made possible largely through her mother’s intervention.
This narrative of maternal support stands in stark contrast to many young women’s experiences with unplanned pregnancies, where family rejection or abandonment can compound already challenging circumstances. Instead, Aiyeola’s mother offered a different model—one where initial disappointment gave way to practical support and long-term commitment to both her daughter and granddaughter’s wellbeing.
The actress’s willingness to share this deeply personal chapter comes amid a broader pattern of increased transparency about her parenting journey. Last year, in a separate interview with Maria Chike, Aiyeola addressed criticism she had received for her strict parenting approach, particularly her decision to prohibit her daughter from using a mobile phone until age 16. She recalled disciplining her daughter after discovering she had created a social media account, reflecting her protective stance toward digital exposure.
Aiyeola has previously spoken with remarkable candor about the material hardships she faced as a young mother. In 2022, she revealed the creative improvisation required during her early parenting days, including using her mother’s old traditional garments—iro and buba—as makeshift diapers for her infant. She also mentioned feeding her baby with garri (cassava flour), painting a vivid picture of financial constraints that many young parents face but few public figures acknowledge so openly.
Perhaps most poignantly, Aiyeola has discussed how her engagement did not culminate in the anticipated wedding, adding another layer of complexity to her early motherhood experience. This revelation, combined with subsequent admissions about depending on neighbors for meals during particularly difficult periods, constructs a narrative of resilience that resonates deeply with many young Nigerian women navigating similar circumstances.
The multifaceted entertainer’s success story—transitioning from these humble beginnings to becoming a recognized figure in Nigeria’s entertainment landscape—serves as a powerful testament to perseverance. Her Big Brother Naija participation in 2017 marked a turning point, catapulting her into national prominence and opening doors to expanded opportunities in acting, presenting, and music.
When her daughter turned 13 in 2021, Aiyeola marked the milestone with a heartfelt tribute on social media, describing her child as “an amazing human who inspires and makes her work hard.” The celebratory post, which expressed both pride and amazement at raising a teenager, reflected the journey’s emotional significance and the strong bond between mother and daughter.
Child development specialists note that maternal grandmothers often play crucial roles in single-parent households, providing not only practical childcare support but also emotional stability and cultural continuity. What we see in Bisola’s story is a classic example of how extended family support systems traditionally function in African contexts, adapting to modern challenges,” explains sociologist Dr. Funmi Adewole, who specializes in family structures in contemporary Nigeria.
Beyond the personal significance, Aiyeola’s revelation illuminates broader social patterns around motherhood, career advancement, and family structures in contemporary Nigeria. Her story challenges simplified narratives about single motherhood, illustrating how intergenerational female support networks can create foundations for success even amid challenging circumstances.
As Nigerian entertainment continues evolving with more women in prominent positions, narratives like Aiyeola’s provide important context about the often-invisible support systems that enable public success. Her willingness to discuss these personal challenges contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the intersection between motherhood, career ambition, and family dynamics in Nigeria’s social landscape.
Through sharing her journey from unplanned pregnancy to established entertainer, Aiyeola has crafted a narrative that balances acknowledgment of difficulties with celebration of the support that helped her overcome them. Central to this narrative stands her mother—initially disappointed but ultimately unwavering—whose promise made in a moment of crisis evolved into a lifelong commitment spanning generations.
