When we are fortunate enough to have good health, we often overlook it as a precious gift. Only when we lose it do we truly understand its worth. Unfortunately, some people are burdened by chronic illnesses that necessitate lifelong medication or have no known cure. These people are real people, including some of our favorite Nollywood stars.
Today, we will highlight and honor the bravery of five Nigerian celebrities who continue to inspire us despite living with incurable diseases.
These Nigerian celebrities may be in the public eye, but they face the same struggles as anyone else. Many of them live with incurable illnesses, and they’ve been candid about their conditions. Here are just a few examples:
1. Chidi Mokeme
Nollywood actor Chidi Mokeme has opened up about his battle with Bell’s Palsy, a debilitating ailment that affects one side of the face. The condition came on suddenly and without warning, and doctors told him there was no cure. Despite this, Chidi has continued to pursue his career and live life to the fullest.
As we were preparing to go to the trip to UK for the British International Film Festival, I came down with something called Bell’s Palsy. So if you know Bell’s Palsy, it was the first time I was hearing it, Bell’s Palsy is something that it comes like a stroke and it sort of affects one side of your face, and sort of gives you a droop. And you know, this was something that the doctors said was incurable. They had no cure cuz they didn’t know what causes it so they didn’t know how to treat it.
2. Etinosa
Actress Etinosa is another Nigerian celebrity who faces an incurable disease. She has asthma, and she’s spoken openly about the challenges it presents when it comes to her style choices. She knows what she can and can’t wear, and she doesn’t take any chances when it comes to her health.
I won’t choke or kill myself because of style. There are some clothes/styles out there, like turtleneck that can choke your neck and suffocate you. There are some things I don’t mess with because I am asthmatic. So, anything that has to do with my throat, neck or breathing, I won’t mess with it.
3. Kemi Afolabi
Nollywood actress Kemi Afolabi struggles with lupus, an autoimmune disease that has no cure. She spent months in the hospital before doctors were able to diagnose her, and she’s since been working to manage her symptoms and live as normal a life as possible.
4. Oxlade
Nigerian singer Oxlade is also asthmatic, and he’s using his platform to raise awareness about the condition. He knows firsthand how dangerous asthma can be, and he’s encouraging others to take it seriously.
I’m asthmatic, yeah! That’s something many people don’t know. I’ve got asthma. So I don’t smoke at all. I’ve never smoked. I can’t because, it’s not good for my health. I’m an asthmatic patient so it’s almost like an awareness for other guys like me. Letting the world know that asthma kills. It’s as deadly as corona and other lethal health issues
5. Mercy Johnson
Actress Mercy Johnson had her thyroid removed after a cancer scare, and now she has to take medication for the rest of her life. It’s a sobering reminder that even the healthiest among us can face serious medical issues and that we should never take our health for granted.
I had a cancer scare in quote and I had my thyroid removed. When we got there, they said I was going to be on medication for the rest of my life and it was a reality that we had to sit down with. You know, them giving me a timing and telling me you can’t miss your medication. Once you wake up that day, that’s the first thing.
