5 Nigerian actors who publicly revealed their health, financial struggles
For decades, Nigerian actors have forged a unique path, captivating audiences not only with the glitz and glamour of their film productions but also with their sheer volume- majority of the time, quantity over quality. Nigerian actors continue to make an indelible mark by churning out countless films, earning the moniker Nollywood borrowed from the American Hollywood, sometimes despite constraints on budgets and production values.
Their artistry defy the norm as they weave stories that resonate with both African and some global audiences in a phenomenon that showcases the resilience and charisma of Nollywood.
However, despite decades of achieving both fame and fortune over their illustrious careers, several Nollywood actors and actresses- both young and old- found themselves facing unexpected financial hardships either occasioned by health problems, living beyond their means and lack of financial planning as or sources of income drying up.
Some revered Nollywood actors found themselves in a humbling position of turning to their fans and the public for financial assistance. These are the same actors who, at the peak of their careers, were celebrated figures, basking in the glitz and glamor of the film industry. Due to unexpected challenges, these actors needed the community and country to rally around them in solidarity and Nairobi News brings you a list of five Nollywood actors who found themselves in this position:
- Mr Ibu- Born John Okafor, Mr Ibu, in recent weeks, had been calling on his fans and country to stand by him as he battled poor health. In recent days, the urgent appeal for financial assistance intensified when it was revealed he needed to undergo a leg amputation to save his life. Nairobi News reported that following seven surgeries, his family finally announced that Mr Ibu had his leg amputated earlier this week. “Please, we are still soliciting support from well-meaning Nigerians as, at this stage, Daddy is still very delicate, and he needs all the help he can get,” read the family’s statement in part, published on Mr Ibu’s verified social media accounts.
- Amaechi Muonagor- Last week, Mr Muonagor, 61, suffered a stroke while leaving a movie set. He proceeded to post a tearful video online begging his fans and colleagues for financial help to cover his bills. “I’m sick. This thing that is called stroke caught up with me, and from there, they rushed me to the hospital. The first hospital they rushed me to was in Nnewi, where I spent some two months and I was referred to Teaching Hospital Nnewi and here I am. Right now, I can’t move. I can’t walk on my own. Half of my left leg is paralyzed, so it is a problem for me. I’m calling on well-minded individuals to come to my assistance to see how they can help me. It is paralysis, half of my body,” said Mr Muonagor.
- Margaret Olayinka, popularly known as Iya Gbonkan- The 64 year old took to social media with a video in which she asked her fans to buy her a car, saying that despite working in Nollywod for decades, she hadn’t been able to afford to purchase a vehicle. She told her fans to celebrate her while she is still alive and also help her complete building her house. On June 8, 2023, a male fan bought her a car and she went on to receive N4.1m (Sh 766,433) from fans to build her house after a prophet conducted a fundraiser for her.
- Alesh Sanni- In August 2021, after the film maker wrote on his social media that he too needed financial help, saying he lives a fake life, his bank account is empty and people should stop begging him for money all the time or forwarding him their bills. He said many people refused to believe he is broke, thinking he is a big man in the film industry. He went on to say that he too needed financial help more than those who beg him for money all the time.
- Earnest Asuzu- Word of his misfortune spread in January 2020 when he was noticed in public begging for money. He had allegedly suffered a stroke and couldn’t work at the time for over 5 years. In a video posted online, the actor begged his supporters to financially support him to get back on his feet.
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