Actress and media personality Nancy Isime has opened up about her difficult early years and the extraordinary kindness she received from music star Yemi Alade during one of the toughest periods of her life.
In a deeply personal Instagram post, Nancy shared how, as a young actress and model trying to find her feet, she often had nowhere to sleep after long workdays. She revealed that she once squatted at Yemi Alade’s off-campus apartment for weeks — an act of kindness she says she will never forget.
“Story Story…I’ve told this story before, and I’m sure Yemi is probably rolling her eyes right now but Yemi, I meant it when I said I’ll tell this story every chance I get,” Nancy began.
Reflecting on her hustle from as young as 17, she recalled sleeping on chairs, floors, and even trekking home at odd hours when she couldn’t find transport back to Ikorodu after work.
“The ages 17–19 were basically me struggling for a place to sleep when I worked too late to go home,” she wrote. “Sometimes I’d brave it back home to Ikorodu at 2/3 am, trekking with my koin koin shoe with my dad worried, calling me every 3 minutes and my brothers in the streets trying to meet up with me.”
She credited Yemi Alade for providing her with a peaceful place to stay when she needed it the most.
“Now comes Yemi, whom I had met through a mutual friend and had become an acquaintance. I asked her over the phone one day if it was okay to stay at her off-campus accommodation for a bit, and she immediately said Yes! Fam, I stayed for weeks, and this woman never complained! The peace was too much; I had to leave when I wasn’t ready to.”
Nancy went on to say that it wasn’t just the shelter that meant so much, but the love and calm that Yemi radiated.
“Allowing me to squat with her wasn’t what stood out; I squatted with other people, too. It was the attitude, consideration and peace!”
Now both women are thriving in their respective careers, and Nancy recently celebrated their enduring friendship by wearing matching Yoruba traditional outfits with Yemi. In her words: “Yemi is becoming my kind neighbour… My Padi @yemialade, I dey for you for Life!!”
The touching story has since resonated with fans, with many praising the bond between the two stars and Yemi’s quiet act of generosity.
