In a candid and heartfelt revelation, veteran Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwor, fondly known as Mama G, has attributed the alarming rate of deaths among Nollywood actors to a troubling mix of carelessness and negligence. Speaking during an event in Lagos this week, Mama G underscored the importance of self-care and regular medical check-ups, urging her colleagues to take their health more seriously.
A Wake-Up Call for Nollywood
The beloved actress pointed out that many actors become so engrossed in their careers that they neglect their health. “When you are doing something you enjoy, you wouldn’t bother to take care of your health,” Mama G explained. “Some people are so careless that when they are sick, instead of going to the hospital for a proper check-up, they prefer to visit a chemist or a pharmacy to buy a pain reliever.”
Her words resonate deeply, especially considering the recent spate of untimely deaths in the industry. Mama G’s message is clear: the relentless pursuit of success and fame should not come at the expense of one’s health.
A Heartbreaking Farewell to Mr. Ibu
Mama G also shared an emotional moment from the funeral of the late comic actor John Okafor, known as Mr. Ibu, which took place in his hometown in Enugu State last month. “When I went close to his corpse and called him by the name I used to call him, and he didn’t respond, it dawned on me that he was gone forever,” she recalled, her voice tinged with sorrow. “At that moment, I broke down in tears. It’s not because I was expecting him to respond, but it was when I realized that this man is gone forever.”
Her poignant reflection on Mr. Ibu’s passing serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.
A Divine Calling
In a turn of events that surprised many, Mama G also opened up about a life-changing encounter with God in 2016, which transformed her path from actress to evangelist. “God asked me to separate myself so that He could talk with me,” she recounted. Despite initial reluctance, she eventually submitted to a 30-day spiritual retreat that profoundly changed her. “By the time I came out from those 30 days, I became a changed person,” she said.
Since then, Mama G has embraced her new role, using her platform to inspire and uplift others. Her journey from Nollywood star to evangelist is a testament to her faith and resilience, underscoring the power of divine intervention and personal transformation.
A Call to Action
Mama G’s heartfelt appeal to her colleagues is a wake-up call for the entire Nollywood industry. She urges actors to prioritize their health and seek regular medical check-ups to prevent avoidable tragedies. Her message is simple but powerful: “We are trying to put smiles on the faces of people while forgetting to take care of our health.”
As Nollywood continues to captivate audiences with its vibrant storytelling, Mama G’s words serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of self-care and the need to balance passion with prudence. Her journey is an inspiring tale of strength, faith, and the enduring power of the human spirit.
