More than a year after the death of veteran Nollywood actor John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, his widow has called on Nigerians for help, saying her family is struggling to survive amid worsening financial difficulties that have left them unable to afford rent, electricity and their children’s education.
The plea was made in a video conversation with content creator King Mitchy, during which the late actor’s wife and children shared details of their daily challenges. Mr Ibu passed away on March 2, 2024, following a prolonged illness.
Describing the family’s situation, the widow said life has become increasingly difficult, revealing that they have been without electricity for weeks because they could not settle outstanding bills.
“We fetch water from the well because I have not paid the house rent. They have even cut my lights for two months now. Every night we go to look for a place to charge our phones. It’s not easy,” she said.
She explained that the lack of basic amenities has forced the family to depend on well water and seek alternative places to charge their phones, adding that keeping the household running has become a daily struggle.
The widow also disclosed that her children’s education is now at risk due to unpaid school fees.
“Right now, they can’t go to school again. I can even show you the message the school sent me today,” she said, referring to a recent reminder from the school over outstanding tuition payments.
One of Mr Ibu’s daughters, however, commended her mother for remaining strong despite the hardships confronting the family.
“I want to thank God for my mom. She tries everything she can to feed us, pay our school fees and make us happy,” she said.
Speaking on the purpose of the interview, King Mitchy said the family decided to speak publicly about their situation in the hope of receiving support from well-meaning Nigerians.
The appeal comes more than a year after the loss of the comic actor, whose career made him one of the most recognisable faces in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. His family said they remain hopeful that assistance from the public will help them overcome their current difficulties.
