Sultana, a 25-year-old contestant on Nigeria’s widely followed reality series Big Brother Naija, recently opened up about her decision to embrace Islam after growing up in a household blending Christian and Muslim traditions. Born to a Muslim father from Adamawa State and a Christian mother from Cross River State, the plus-size model discussed her faith journey during a candid conversation with fellow housemate Zita, spotlighting themes of religious choice and identity.
Raised attending both church and mosque, Sultana—whose full name is Farida Sultana Auduson Ibrahim—explained that her parents did not impose strict religious practices. At one point, she was baptized as a Catholic under the name Josephine, reflecting her mother’s faith. However, she later gravitated toward Islam, calling it the religion that “works best” for her. “I just decided to choose what resonated with me personally,” she told Zita during Wednesday night’s episode, emphasizing autonomy in her spiritual path.
The housemate’s disclosure offers a glimpse into the complexities of navigating interfaith family dynamics, a reality for many in Nigeria, where diverse religious and cultural identities often intersect. While her father practices Islam and her mother Christianity, Sultana stressed that neither parent pressured her to adopt a specific belief system. Her choice, she implied, emerged from personal reflection rather than external influence.
As the season progresses, Sultana’s story has drawn attention to the evolving conversations around faith and self-determination, particularly among younger generations in multicultural societies. Her background as a model advocating for body positivity further underscores her role as a figure bridging divides—whether cultural, religious, or social.
The exchange, typical of the show’s emphasis on personal narratives, highlights how platforms like Big Brother Naija amplify voices exploring identity in the public eye. For now, Sultana’s journey serves as a reminder of the individualized nature of spirituality, resonating with audiences navigating similar crossroads worldwide.
