Linda Ikeji is a name that is synonymous with blogging in Nigeria. She is also a writer, entrepreneur, and former model. She has a net worth of $40 million (N5B). But how did she achieve this level of fame and fortune? What is her story? Let's find out.
Basic Information
Stage Name: Linda Ikeji
Real Name: Linda Ifeoma Ikeji
Occupation: Nigerian Blogger, Businesswoman
Date Of Birth/Age: 19 September 1980 (43 Years Old)
Place of Birth: Nkwerre, Imo State, Nigeria
Gender: Female
Nationality: Nigerian
Marital Status: Single
Education: University of Lagos
Height: 1.72 m
Net Worth: N5B
Linda Ikeji Early life and education
Linda Ifeoma Ikeji was born on September 19, 1980, in Nkwerre, Imo State, Nigeria. She is the second child of a Catholic family of seven children. Her siblings are Vera, Laura, Peks, Edna, Benita, and Sandra Ikeji.
Linda developed a passion for writing at the age of 10. She finished secondary school at the age of 17 and enrolled at the University of Lagos, where she studied English language. She took on part-time jobs as a waitress, model, and writer to support herself and her family. She graduated from the university in 2004.
Linda Ikeji Career and achievements
Linda started blogging in 2006 as a hobby. At that time, the internet was not very popular in Nigeria, and she had to visit a cybercafé to make her posts. She used a blogger sub-domain lindaikeji.blogspot.com, and later obtained her own domain, www.lindaikejisblog.com.
Her blog covers various topics, such as entertainment news, celebrity gossip, fashion, and lifestyle. She also features stories of ordinary people with inspiring or touching stories to share.
Her blog became one of the most visited websites in Nigeria and attracted much attention and controversy. Forbes Africa, BBC, and other reputable media outlets have profiled her.
Linda also ventured into other media and business ventures. She launched an online radio station, Linda Ikeji Radio, which broadcasts from her media office. Some of the programs on the station are also streamed live on her online TV platform, Linda Ikeji TV.
She also started a music platform, Linda Ikeji Music, in 2016, but it became inactive after three months. She also launched a social networking platform, Linda Ikeji Social, where users can interact and share content.
In 2023, Linda debuted as a film producer with her first movie, Dark October, based on the Aluu Four lynching incident that occurred in 2012.
Linda also runs a non-profit project called "I'd rather be self-made; No thanks", where she supports young girls aged 16 to 25 who have great business ideas and want to become entrepreneurs. She has given out the sum of NGN10,000,000 in the project's first phase.
In 2018, Linda received an honorary doctorate from Trinity International University in Georgia for her outstanding work in business and media in Africa.
Linda Ikeji Personal life and controversies
Linda is a single mother of one son, Jayce, born in 2018. She has not revealed her child's father's identity, but there have been speculations and rumours about it. She has also been involved in several legal battles and scandals with celebrities and public figures over her blog posts. Some include Wizkid, Jim Iyke, Olamide, Tonto Dikeh, and Kemi Olunloyo.
Linda is known for her lavish lifestyle and generosity. She owns a mansion in Banana Island, Lagos, worth over NGN500 million. She also owns several cars, including a Range Rover, a Bentley, and a Mercedes Benz. She often gives gifts and money to her fans and followers on social media.
Linda Ikeji's Achievements and Honors
Linda Ikeji has achieved many honours and recognition for her work in the media and business sectors. Some of her achievements and honours are:
- She was named one of Africa's 20 Most Prominent Women by Forbes Africa in 2012.
- She was the most searched item by Google users in Nigeria in 2014.
- She won the Best Entertainment Blog award for her website/blog of the year in 2023.
- She was interviewed by BBC on their Focus on Africa programme in 2012.
- She received an honorary doctorate from Trinity International University in Georgia for her outstanding job in business and media in Africa in 2018.
- She launched several media and business ventures, such as Linda Ikeji Radio, Linda Ikeji TV, Linda Ikeji Music, Linda Ikeji Social, and Dark October (her first movie production).
- She runs a non-profit project called "I'd rather be self-made; No thanks", supporting young girls with great business ideas and entrepreneurship skills.
Linda Ikeji FAQs
1: What is Linda Ikeji known for?
Linda Ikeji is primarily known for her successful blogging career. Her blog covers various topics, including news, entertainment, lifestyle, and celebrity gossip, attracting millions of readers from Nigeria and beyond.
2: When did Linda Ikeji start her blogging career?
Linda Ikeji started blogging in 2006. She initially began as a hobby before turning it into a full-time professional pursuit, growing it into one of the most visited websites in Nigeria.
3: What other business ventures is Linda Ikeji involved in?
Besides blogging, Linda Ikeji has ventured into online TV networks (Linda Ikeji TV), online radio broadcasting, Linda Ikeji Social (a social networking platform), and a music website called Linda Ikeji Music.
4: What impact has Linda Ikeji had on blogging in Africa?
Linda Ikeji has had a significant impact on blogging in Africa. She has inspired a new generation of bloggers and demonstrated the potential of the blogosphere as a profitable venture and platform for information and entertainment.
5: What challenges has Linda Ikeji faced in her career?
Linda Ikeji has faced several challenges, including controversies surrounding content and copyright, criticism about some of her blog's content, and the general difficulties of being a female entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry.
Conclusion
Linda Ikeji is a remarkable woman who has risen from humble beginnings to become one of Nigeria's most influential and successful bloggers. She is a role model and an inspiration to many young people who aspire to achieve their dreams. She is also a philanthropist who gives back to society and empowers young girls. She is truly the queen of blogging in Nigeria.