Veteran Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwor, known as Mama G, has identified the root causes of the frequent deaths among Nollywood actors. Speaking in Lagos, she attributed these tragedies to the carelessness and negligence of the actors themselves.
Mama G shared her emotional experience at the funeral of the late comic actor John Okafor, also known as Mr. Ibu, which took place in Enugu State last month. She emphasized that actors often neglect their health due to their dedication to their work, which eventually takes a toll on their bodies.
She pointed out that many actors opt for quick fixes from chemists or pharmacies instead of seeking proper medical attention, a practice she finds alarming. This widespread carelessness, she believes, is a major contributor to the untimely deaths in the industry.
Recalling the moment she broke down in tears at Mr. Ibu’s burial, Mama G said the reality of his permanent absence hit her when he didn’t respond to her call.
She urged her fellow actors to prioritize their health with regular medical check-ups and to avoid habits detrimental to their well-being. Mama G also reflected on a transformative encounter with her faith, which she credits for changing her life and guiding her to her current path.
“It was in 2016 when God called me to work for Him. Then, I used to be a teacher in the church, but I didn’t climb the pulpit. It’s not something I can explain.
“God asked me to separate myself so that He wants to talk with me. I thought somebody was talking to me, but I discovered it was a voice coming from somewhere. It took me time to accept to submit myself for 21 days and it was extended to 30 days. My son reminded me that the owner of my life is asking me to separate myself for 21 days and I didn’t want to yield to his call and that He may make it 100 days.
“At that point, I quietly went in, and by the time I came out from those 30 days, I became a changed person. And how I knew He was the one who called me, he created a platform for me to appear on stage to give a testimony of What He did with me for 30 days. While I was giving the testimony, people started falling under the anointing
“And after the encounter, other pastors and evangelists started inviting me to their programmes. That’s how I became an evangelist,” she narrated
