VINA, short for Malvina Longpet, is a radio presenter at 99.9 KissFM where she is currently doing her National Youth Service Corps, NYSC. She was one of Nigeria’s representatives at the just concluded BBA and today, she is an ambassador of many brands and NGOs and in this interview with FLORENCE AMAGIYA, she talks about her journey to BBA, her job today and so much more…
Enjoy!

How l was short listed for Big Brother Africa

I cannot tell the process of selection at BBA because I do not know it, but I went through three stages of auditions. For me to represent Nigeria I had to do a lot.

My job before BBA

I was doing my Youth Service at 99.9 KissFM Abuja as a presenter on the Breakfast Show.

Malvina Longpet

Why no one heard of Vina before BBA

Before BBA, I was living a quiet life in Abuja serving my country. Before Nigeria, I was working as a Personal assistant at Tickety_boo in Malta.

How BBA helped me

Big Brother Africa created a platform for me to get through to the young people of Nigeria and to also help those in need.

After Big Brother Africa

I have gone back to complete my youth service at kissFM, I have been named as an ambassador and Face of ‘The Zeraphat Foundation’, and ‘The Childhood Cancer foundation.’ I am working on a few personal pet projects of my own, so watch this space.

Where I grew up and where l hail from

I was born in Shendam local Government Area of Plateau State, but grew up in Jos. Well, I spent eight years in Jos then moved to Bristol in the United Kingdom where I spent sixteen years living with my parents. I am from Wali, a small village in Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau state.

What l am doing at present

At present, l am being interviewed! Hahahah! Ok seriously I am about to make the Biggest decision of my life. To move to lagos or stay in abuja? As an ambassador to a number of NGO’s I will be very busy with meetings and visits to different Organisations. So I need to decide what I want to do.

The reactions towards me by Nigerians while at BBA

I don’t know if I was loved by everyone. It is a known truth that everyone would not love you, but one thing l had at the back of my mind was that my parents were watching and I cannot let the family name and the country down. But then again I am naturally loud at home so, nothing really changed for me in the BBA house.

What to expect from Vina

Expect to see more of me on your TV screens, magazines, news papers. I am making moves towards change, expect funny moments and sad moments but with all that is being said, expect change that will put a smile on someone’s face.

Who am I outside all these

Vina is a young Woman who loves to have fun and make a difference in someone’s life.

My full name

Malvina Kwanjap Longpet.

What childhood was like for me

Childhood was great, I had no responsibilities. Growing up in a city such as Jos when all was well and Peaceful. Playing with sand and 10 10 after school instead of doing homework. Growing up was fun.  Birthday parties on weekends, so we looked forward to wearing our best clothes and drinking soft drinks. Getting cake in a plastic bag with chinchin, chewing gum/sweets and fried meat. Oh growing up was simple!

My regrets in BBA’s house

I don’t have any regret in BBA’s house. In fact, l became a better person and it also added to me. You don’t have to be crowned the winner at some point in your life to know you have won. I am a born winner and BBA as a reality didn’t make me feel less instead it made me feel better about myself.

The Child cancer Foundation awareness Programme l will be working with in the nearest future

The Childhood Cancer foundation is an organisation the cares for children with cancer. From infants to 18year olds. The organisation pays for their surgery and after treatment. Nigerians needs to open their hearts and their eyes to see what’s killing the younger generations.  I have seen what these people can do and believe me when I say that the Zeraphat foundation also single handedly provides help to widows and orphans living with HIV. This NGO is dear to  me because they are helping a lot of people from the Jos crisis. This is just the beginning and hopefully Nigeria will see the difference in our society and change their mindset on Charity organisations.

My advice to the latest contestants of BBA

For the next Nigerian contestants  I will advise them to just have fun. Enjoy every moment and just be yourself.

My take on fuel subsidy removal

I believe the Nigerian Federal Government and the Nigerian public have already spoken. Everything that needs to be said about the subsidy has been said, and as a media person my views are to remain Neutral. So I am not able to comment on that today.

My best food

I love fried prawns with avocado, Ube and salt and I love Agbalumo.

My intimate relationship

Yes I am seeing someone, but it is not for public consumption. As for the wedding bells_ I would love to get married this year but at the moment I need to get myself grounded and be sure I am ready to take that big step. I have gone to so many weddings since BBA and have tweeted about them everytime that my followers are now asking me this same question. We will leave it to the Grace to God.

If I am in a strange country alone

If I was in a strange country alone, I would ask for the nearest Black/African community. I know I will get home food when I am around other Black/African people. I won’t be so home sick with them.