Veteran Nollywood actress Apinke Ogundimu has made an emotional appeal to Nigerians for financial support after revealing that she is battling cervical cancer.
Speaking in an interview with actress and presenter Biola Bayo, Ogundimu disclosed that she was diagnosed with the disease after undergoing medical tests. She described the pain as overwhelming and said the illness has taken a heavy physical, emotional and financial toll on her.
Fighting back tears, the actress said her children have been sacrificing their own welfare to pay for her treatment, spending nearly all their income on her medical care while putting their personal needs aside.
“The pain is too severe. I did these tests, and I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Why did it happen to me? I am very easy-going. I have reached out to people, and they have helped me. My children have been spending all their income on me, neglecting their own needs. For them to put their own lives on hold to take care of me. But I thank God for blessing me with them,” she said.
Ogundimu admitted that asking the public for help was not an easy decision, especially knowing she could face criticism. However, she said her worsening condition left her with no other option.
“I want to be fine. I want to be healed. The pain is severe. I don’t pray for my enemies to have cancer. Please, have mercy on me. Please, I have nobody,” she pleaded.
Her appeal comes amid growing calls for greater support for actors and actresses facing serious health challenges. In recent weeks, several members of the Nigerian entertainment industry have publicly sought financial assistance to cover the rising cost of medical treatment.
Just days ago, actress Destiny Etiko appealed to Nigerians to support fellow Nollywood actress Cynthia Nkachukwu Anijekwu, who is also battling cancer. Cynthia revealed that despite undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, the cancer returned, leaving her in need of additional radiation treatment and another operation.
Following the fundraising campaign, Destiny Etiko announced that Nigerians contributed ₦13.1 million of the ₦20 million needed within hours, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support shown to her colleague.
