Maria BBNaija real name Maria Chike Agueze Benjamin is one of Nigeria’s most prominent reality television personalities, entrepreneurs, and social media influencers.
She rose to national and continental fame in 2021 as a housemate on Big Brother Naija Season 6: Shine Ya Eye, the most-watched television reality show in Africa.
A former air hostess turned realtor and entertainment entrepreneur, Maria’s journey from the skies to the Big Brother house and beyond is a story of bold ambition, relentless self-reinvention, and authentic success.
Today, she stands as the CEO of MCB Entertainment and one of Nigeria’s most recognizable celebrity personalities.
Maria BBNaija Profile
| Full Name | Maria Chike Agueze Benjamin |
| Born | May 3, 1992 |
| Age | 33 years old (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria |
| State of Origin | Imo State, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Occupation | TV Personality, Entrepreneur, Former Air Hostess, Realtor, CEO |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Parents | Mr. Benjamin Agueze (Father – Nigerian), Mother (White British) |
| Siblings | 1 sister |
| Children | Skylar’Rose (daughter); Leonardo (stepson) |
| Relationship | In a relationship with businessman Kelvin Anene |
| Net Worth | Estimated $300,000 – $500,000 |
Early Life
Maria Chike Agueze was born on May 3, 1992, in Owerri, Imo State, in southeastern Nigeria. She was born into a bicultural family her father, Mr. Benjamin Agueze, is Nigerian and Igbo by ethnicity, while her mother is a white British woman, making Maria biracial. Despite her mixed heritage, Maria has always identified proudly as a Nigerian woman. She grew up speaking English and is part of the Igbo cultural heritage of Imo State. Though born in Owerri, she relocated to the United Kingdom with her family, where she completed much of her secondary and tertiary education. She has one sister, though she has kept her sibling’s identity largely private. Her biracial background has contributed to her striking appearance, which became a talking point on the BBNaija show, where housemates and fans affectionately referred to her as “the oyinbo in the house.”
Education
Maria completed her secondary school education at Federal Government Girls’ College Owerri, Imo State, before travelling to the United Kingdom for her higher education. She studied law at City College Manchester, Greater Manchester, UK. She subsequently earned a Bachelor of Arts (Second Class Upper Division) from the University of Salford, UK. She also attended MANACAT College in the UK. Her educational background in law and public relations equipped her with a strong intellectual foundation that complemented her adventurous career path.
Career
Maria’s professional career began in the United Kingdom in 2006, when she worked as a Front of House Representative at Grosvenor Casinos for five years. She subsequently worked as an Administrative Assistant at Goderough College UK in 2012, and later served as a Human Resources Assistant at KBC Financial Products and as Personal Assistant to the CEO of Deloitte UK. Seeking more adventure and the opportunity to travel the world, she joined Emirates Airline as a cabin crew member (air hostess), a role she held for five years and which took her to virtually every continent except Antarctica.
After her years in aviation, Maria transitioned into real estate, building a career as a realtor and property consultant based in Dubai. Her success in real estate and her vibrant personality led her to audition for Big Brother Naija Season 6: Shine Ya Eye in 2021. She was unveiled as a housemate and quickly became one of the most talked-about contestants of the season, known for her beauty, intelligence, confidence, and uncompromising personality. She finished among the notable contestants, earning a massive fan following on social media and across Nigeria.
Following her BBNaija appearance, Maria expanded her brand significantly. She founded MCB Entertainment and has built a career as a TV host, brand influencer, and entrepreneur. She currently has over 1 million Instagram followers, making her one of the most followed BBNaija alumni in Nigeria.
Social Media
Maria is highly active on social media, particularly on Instagram where she goes by @mariachikebenjamin, with over 1 million followers. She regularly posts lifestyle content, business updates, family moments, and brand collaborations. She is also active on Twitter/X and TikTok, where she engages her fanbase on various topics. In December 2021, she made headlines when she announced on Twitter that she had tested positive for COVID-19 while in Ghana and was in quarantine.
Personal Life
Maria is currently in a relationship with businessman Kelvin Anene. She has a daughter named Skylar’Rose and a stepson named Leonardo. Maria is known for being fiercely independent and protective of her personal life, though she openly shares moments with her family on social media. She is passionate about cooking, acting, exercising, hiking, and dancing. She has traveled to all continents except Antarctica and is deeply influenced by her multicultural background. During her time on BBNaija, she made headlines for a controversial closeness with fellow housemate Whitemoney, sparking debates that she handled with characteristic directness. She identifies as Christian and is of Igbo descent through her father.
Net Worth
Maria BBNaija’s estimated net worth is between $300,000 and $500,000. Her income streams include her earnings from the BBNaija show, her real estate business, her MCB Entertainment company, brand endorsements, social media influencer deals, TV hosting engagements, and her extensive business activities. As a former Emirates air hostess and property expert with a strong entrepreneurial drive, Maria has built a solid financial foundation that continues to grow post-BBNaija.
FAQs
What is Maria BBNaija’s real name?
Her real name is Maria Chike Agueze Benjamin.
What state is Maria BBNaija from?
She is from Imo State, Nigeria.
Is Maria BBNaija biracial?
Yes. Her father is Nigerian (Igbo) and her mother is white British.
What did Maria do before BBNaija?
She was a former air hostess for Emirates Airline and a realtor based in Dubai.
How old is Maria BBNaija?
She was born on May 3, 1992, making her 33 years old as of 2026.
Conclusion
Maria Chike Agueze Benjamin BBNaija’s Maria is a force of nature. From her early days in Owerri to studying in the UK, flying the world with Emirates, navigating the Big Brother house, and building a multi-faceted entertainment and business empire, her life is a testament to the power of ambition, reinvention, and authenticity. With over a million followers and a growing portfolio of achievements, Maria continues to inspire young Nigerians and Africans to dream big, work hard, and never be afraid to show the world exactly who they are.