Renowned Nollywood actress, Patience Ozokwor, affectionately known as Mama G, has recently shed light on the alarming frequency of deaths among Nollywood actors.
Mama G, during her statement, elaborated on her emotional breakdown at the funeral rites of the late comic actor John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu, held in his hometown in Enugu State last month.
She revealed that the realization of his permanent absence struck her deeply, particularly when she called out to him and received no response.
Speaking in Lagos, Mama G attributed these tragic losses to a combination of carelessness and negligence on the part of the actors themselves.
“When you are doing something you are enjoying, you won’t bother to take care of your health. Once there is life in you, you keep doing what you are doing. And it’s something that pays back on your body,” she stated.
“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. It’s no longer safe with me.”
Expressing her grief at Mr. Ibu’s funeral, Mama G shared the realization of the moment which made her break 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,” she said.
Patience further emphasized the importance of regular medical check-ups and urged her colleagues to be proactive about their health. “We are trying to put smiles on the faces of people while forgetting to take care of our health,” she added.
The actress has shown great concern for her fellow actors, urging them to prioritize self-care within the Nollywood industry, while setting a reminder of the importance of balancing professional dedication with health and well-being.
