The passing of Nigerian socialite Elena Jessica after reportedly undergoing cosmetic surgery has triggered widespread reactions online, with Nollywood actresses Nkechi Blessing Sunday and Uche Ogbodo weighing in on the issue from different angles.
In a video shared on social media, Blessing criticised what she described as the double standards among some men who mock women’s natural bodies yet condemn them when they choose cosmetic procedures such as Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL).
“Men? I have been seeing a lot of love yourself, you are beautiful the way you are from men. Wow! You people? If I talk now, they would say Nkechi has started, and I do not really meddle in things that do not concern me, but this one does,” she said.
The actress also condemned people who made harsh remarks about the deceased following her death, referencing a comment where someone allegedly called the late Jessica a “prostitute”.
“Because I have seen that one bingo come out to call the lady who died a prostitute. Same to you? It is going to be a long time before Nigerians have sense. You people would bully people to a point where they do not have another choice but to surgically correct the things that you made you people insult them.”
Blessing stressed that despite the criticisms she has faced over the years about her body, she has no intention of undergoing cosmetic surgery to alter her shape.
“And then you will still come back and… Men? Now listen, no amount of bullying, insult or abuse meted out to me would make me go and look for one doctor to fix myself. You see this big stomach, I will rock it with pride. This stomach has built houses, bought cars, and so many other things. This is a very successful stomach,” she said.
However, she added that while she personally does not support body enhancement procedures for herself, women should still be free to make their own decisions.
“I am going to say something just because of the young ladies following me, do whatever you think is okay for your body, but you see me, Nkechi Blessing Sunday, if I will recommend any surgery, and if I will do any surgery in this life, it is going to be weight loss surgery.
“You see, going to add and remove… Did you see that video? May God rest her soul. I am not here to talk about anybody, I am not here to judge anybody because one way or the other everybody would still do what they love, but from men?”
Meanwhile, Ogbodo also addressed the growing debate around BBL procedures. While acknowledging that the surgery carries risks, she emphasised that it should not automatically be viewed negatively.
“BBL may be considered a risky surgery, but that does not make it a bad surgery. What matters most is proper research, a qualified surgeon, and doing it for the right reasons. For many women, especially after childbirth, the body changes in ways that exercise alone may not fully restore,” she said.
“A mummy makeover can be a powerful decision for women who want to reclaim their confidence, feel comfortable in their bodies again, and look as beautiful as they feel inside.
“Motherhood is beautiful, but so is choosing to take care of yourself. You deserve to feel good, look good, and love the woman you see in the mirror.”
Their reactions have added to the ongoing conversation online about body image, cosmetic surgery, and the pressures many women face regarding their appearance.
