ZACK ORJI’S SUDDEN ILLNESS SPARKS HEALTH CONCERN IN NOLLYWOOD

Veteran Nollywood thespian, Zack Orji, is in critical condition in the ICU of the National Hospital in Abuja. According to his friends who request anonymity, revealed the disturbing news to shed light on his condition. Orji, 63, reportedly can’t walk or talk, and all kinds of tests are being run on him to ascertain what is wrong.

He was rushed to the hospital two days ago after he slumped in the toilet after being quite weak for a few weeks. Reacting to the viral video of his sickness on Instagram, prayers have begun to pour in from some of his colleagues in the entertainment industry among other netizens.

Zachee Ama Orji (born 1960) is a Nigerian actor, director, producer and filmmaker known for his role in Nollywood movies Glamour Girls, and Blood Money. Aside from acting, Orji is a preacher.

Orji was born in Libreville, Gabon. He grew up in Cameroon, Benin and Togo where he learnt how to speak both English and French fluently. He is a graduate of University of Nigeria, Nsukka. His first movie was in 1991 and was entitled Unforgiven Sin. He is married to Ngozi Orji, who is also a Nollywood actress and both are blessed with three children.

In the recent past, Nollywood have been plagued with illnesses befalling several actors. Popular actor, John Okafor, better known as Mr. Ibu is also in the hospital, having undergone a leg amputation due to an illness. Previous reports in October indicated that Mr. Ibu successfully underwent five surgeries and was scheduled to be flown abroad for further treatment.

Nollywood actor, Amaechi Muonagor, was also reported in November to be battling with kidney disease, diabetes, and stroke. His cousin, Tony Muonagor, revealed this stating that the actor is undergoing weekly dialysis and other treatments at the Nnamdi Azikwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi.

SPATE OF ILLNESSES

Nollywood actors and actresses are seen as national treasures because of the joy and excitement they give to Nigerians when we watch them on our TV screens.

But in real life, most of these Actors face life’s worst hit, huge illness conditions. In recent years, many of our Veteran Actors and Actresses have been battling with various illnesses; some even plead before the public at large for funds to facilitate their treatment. The list include the following:

1. Prince Chukwuemeka Ani
This veteran Nollywood actor is battling severe health conditions. From a chronic sore of the anus to diabetes, Ani has been in the hospital in Owerri since December 2022, where he went for surgery, and it expanded into a dangerous one. The cost of his treatment is put at about 2.8 million Naira, which the actor can’t afford alone at the moment.

He is currently pleading with generous Nigerians for financial support.

It was gathered that he is currently battling severe health conditions. Ani is down with Chronic sore of the anus and diabetes and now pleading for financial support from Nigerians.

2. Sule Suebebe
Sule Suebebe Is a Nollywood Yoruba Actor And comedian who’s known for his hilarious roles in Jennifer’s Diary, Oga Madam, Alaka Reloaded and many others, He is currently battling with partial stroke and high blood pressure. He has been hospitalized for several months and needs urgent medical attention. He has also asked for financial help from the public to pray his hospital bills and buy his medication.

3. Olu Jacobs
Olu Jacobs is a renowned Nollywood actor and film maker. He is married to Joke Silva, another veteran actress and have two children together. Olu Jacobs is currently suffering from memory loss and dementia. He has been trying to keep his condition private. However some of his colleagues have confirmed his illness and have been praying for his recovery.

4. Ifeanyi Ezeokeke (Ugo Shave Me)
Ifeanyi Ezeokeke, recognized for his role as ‘Ugo Shave Me’ in Nollywood, has turned to social media to request financial assistance due to an undisclosed illness that has afflicted him for over two years. He’s not only struggling with his health, but also the abject poverty alongside his mother.

5. Kenneth Aguba
Kenneth Aguba is a Nollywood actor and producer, has been in the industry for over a decade. He has produced many movies such as the Last Flight To Abuja, the Missing Guard and Return Of The Don. He is currently suffering from rear bone disease called vascular neurosis of the femoral head. This condition cause the death of the bone tissue due to lack of blood supplies. He has undergone several surgeries and needs more to prevent permanent disability. He has also solicited for funds from the public to support his treatment.

6. Amaechi Muonagor

Veteran Nollywood actor, Amaechi Muonagor, recently made a heartfelt plea for support over ongoing health challenges. The 61-year-old actor disclosed that he is contending with paralysis, which has significantly affected his left leg and left hand. Muonagor is now seeking financial assistance to help him to cope with his medical expenses, a situation he hadn’t initially disclosed publicly.

7. John Okafor (Mr. Ibu)

Just two weeks before Muonagor’s appeal, popular actor John Okafor, known as Mr. Ibu, also sought prayers and financial help from Nigerians over his health. The actor has undergone seven surgeries but to keep him alive, one of his legs has been amputated.