Nollywood Mourns as Actor Cjay Nwokafor Dies Suddenly

The Nollywood industry has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of actor Chijioke Temidayo Nwokafor, popularly known as Cjay Nwoks or Cjay.

Cjay died on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, after he was taken to a hospital in the Badore area of Lagos State, according to reports. His colleague, actress Nkechi Blessing Sunday, announced his death in an emotional social media video from the hospital.

Nkechi said she had spoken with Cjay at about 8am on Wednesday, only to learn of his death a few hours later. She described the development as devastating and said they had plans together before his sudden passing.

The actress had also been preparing to release her movie Egusi Ogbono, in which Cjay featured, at 5pm the same day. Following news of his death, she cancelled the planned release.

The cause of Cjay Nwokafor’s death has not been officially disclosed by his family or a medical authority.

However, actor Emeka Okoye, while mourning his colleague, alleged that a shortage of oxygen at the hospital contributed to Cjay’s death and questioned the state of Nigeria’s healthcare system. The allegation has not been independently verified and should not be treated as the established cause of death.

READ ALSO:

• Workers to Begin Nationwide Warning Strike Over Petrol Price, Wage Award
• Nigeria at 66: MURIC Urges Unity, Peace, Justice Ahead of 2027 Elections
• Atiku Challenges Tinubu’s Prosperity Claim, Says Nigerians Can Barely Afford to Live

Okoye also described Cjay as a talented baker who used his skills to support and help others. He said the late actor had touched the lives of several people beyond his work in the film industry.

Cjay’s death has shocked colleagues and fans, particularly because he had remained active in the industry shortly before his passing. An interview with the actor focusing on his career and ambitions was published only days before his death.

Born in Awka, Anambra State, and based in Lagos, Cjay began his professional acting career in 2021. He went on to feature in several Nollywood productions, including Larry Cold, Mum Overnight, A Day to My Wedding, The Lies She Tell, What Time Left, Fond of You, Godly Escort and Tide.

In an interview published shortly before his death, Cjay recalled how his first experience on a film set influenced his decision to pursue acting professionally. He said working alongside filmmaker Ruth Kadiri helped inspire his interest in building a career in Nollywood.

His appearance in Egusi Ogbono was among his recent projects, with the film’s scheduled release cancelled following his death.

Nkechi Blessing later shared a video collage featuring moments she spent with Cjay, expressing disbelief over the loss and the plans they had made. Fellow entertainers, including Fathia Williams, Peggy Ovire, Destiny Etiko and Ruth Kadiri, were among those who expressed condolences following news of his death.

Cjay’s final social media posts have also drawn renewed attention from fans, with many expressing shock at the suddenness of his passing.

As of Thursday, October 1, no official cause of death had been announced, and details of his funeral arrangements had not been made public.

The death adds to the recent losses recorded in Nollywood, as colleagues and fans continue to pay tribute to the actor and remember his contributions to the Nigerian film industry.

Nollywood Mourns as Actor Cjay Nwokafor Dies Suddenly

Jetour Takes Adventure Beyond the Road, Brings Solar-powered Borehole to Ibeju-Lekki community 

Jetour Nigeria has taken its SUV adventure beyond the asphalt, combining a high-octane convoy through some of Lagos toughest coastal trails with a humanitarian intervention that delivered clean, reliable water to the people of Iwerekun Orile, Ibeju Lekki.

The automaker’s 2026 Africa Expedition last Saturday turned into more than a showcase of automotive power and off-road capability as the convoy of eight Jetour models arrived at the Roman Catholic Mission Primary School, Iwerekun Orile, to commission a new solar-powered borehole for the community.

The convoy, comprising the Jetour Dashing, X50, X70 Plus, X90 Plus, T2, T2 PHEV, X70 PHEV and flagship G700, departed Falomo Square, Ikoyi, after a road safety briefing by the Federal Road Safety Corps.

Escorted by personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, the convoy moved through Victoria Island and beyond the city’s urban landscape before tackling difficult stretches of the Coastal Highway.

The demanding terrain, characterised by swampy sections, rocks and uneven trails, provided an opportunity for the vehicles to demonstrate their off-road capability and endurance.

But beyond the adventure and display of automotive technology, the expedition took on a more significant purpose when the convoy arrived at the Roman Catholic Mission Primary School, Iwerekun Orile.

There, Jetour Nigeria commissioned a new solar-powered borehole, providing the school and surrounding community with access to clean and reliable water.

The intervention was greeted with excitement as schoolchildren, traditional leaders, farmers and market women turned out to welcome the visitors with cultural performances.

Jetour also distributed food items to households in the community, while pupils received books and refreshments.

A representative of Jetour Nigeria, Kemi Adeola, said the initiative reflected the company’s belief that its activities should extend beyond automobiles to making a positive difference in the communities it reaches.

“This is where adventure meets purpose,” Adeola said. “Our mission doesn’t stop at building capable vehicles; it lives in our pledge to drive tangible progress and touch the hearts of the communities we reach.”

The community’s traditional leader, High Chief Michael Oluwa, described the water project as an unprecedented development in the history of Iwerekun Orile and pledged that residents would protect and maintain the facility.

The head teacher of the school, Mrs Ariyike Bakre, also expressed gratitude to Jetour, describing the intervention as a lifetime gift to the school and community.

“This is my first time seeing a solar-powered borehole,” Bakre said, adding that the facility would make a significant difference to the children and residents.

She thanked Jetour for making it possible for the community to witness the commissioning of the project.

The expedition later ended at a beach lounge, where the drivers, organisers and participants relaxed over food, music and entertainment.

For Jetour Nigeria, however, the significance of the expedition extended beyond conquering difficult terrain. It demonstrated how an automotive adventure could be linked to community development, leaving behind not only memories of a demanding road trip but also a lasting source of clean water for Iwerekun Orile.

Phyna, Nkechi Blessing Take Social Media Feud To Boxing Ring In Lagos

Reality TV star Phyna and Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing Sunday are set to face each other in a celebrity boxing match in Lagos after a recent public disagreement between the two entertainers.

The bout, billed as “Phyna vs Nkechi,” is scheduled for October 1, 2026, at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos, as part of the Chaos in the Ring series organised by Balmoral Group Promotions.

The organisers announced the celebrity contest on September 18, releasing promotional material featuring both entertainers in boxing gear and presenting the encounter as a move from their online exchanges to the boxing ring.

The proposed Phyna-Nkechi Blessing boxing match is expected to be one of the celebrity attractions on the October 1 card, which will also feature other entertainment personalities and professional boxing contests.

Phyna, whose real name is Josephina Otabor, and Nkechi Blessing have been involved in a recent social media exchange that generated reactions among their followers.

The disagreement reportedly followed comments by Nkechi Blessing about Phyna’s frequent involvement in online disputes.

Phyna subsequently responded by questioning the actress’s decision to publicly address her and referenced an earlier interaction between them involving a movie project.

The exchange continued online before the organisers announced the boxing encounter.

Following the announcement, both entertainers indicated that they were prepared for the contest.

Nkechi Blessing shared the promotional material on her social media platform and issued a message ahead of the bout, while Phyna also reacted to the announcement and signalled her readiness to participate.

It remains unclear whether the earlier disagreement will have any relevance to the formal competition itself, as the event organisers have not indicated that the celebrity contest will involve anything beyond the rules governing the scheduled boxing exhibition.

READ ALSO:

• Edo Police Arrest Cleric Over Alleged Abduction, Sexual Abuse Of Five Girls
• Abia Police Rescue Four-Day-Old Baby, Arrest Four Over Alleged Theft, Trafficking
• Rent Crisis Deepens as Tenants Struggle With Soaring Housing Costs in Calabar, Lagos, Abuja

Details including the exact number of rounds, weight categories, protective equipment and other specific rules for the celebrity bout had not been fully disclosed in the latest reports.

The Chaos in the Ring event will feature a combination of celebrity and professional boxing.

Another celebrity contest on the programme is expected to feature content creator Carter Efe against social media personality Speed Darlington.

The professional headline bout is scheduled to feature Nigerian cruiserweight Godday “Zodsolo” Appah against Ghanaian-born British boxer Seth “Freezy Macbones” Gyimah.

Other professional bouts announced for the programme include Eworitse Ezra Arenyeka versus Lekan Muibi, Basit “Joker Boy” Adebayo versus Fatiu Ijomoni, and Yusuf Adeniji versus David Tagoe.

The event is expected to be broadcast on DAZN and SuperSport, extending the reach of the programme beyond the venue in Lagos.

The Chaos in the Ring series has previously featured Nigerian entertainers in boxing contests, including Portable, Charles Okocha, Carter Efe and Speed Darlington.

The celebrity bouts have attracted considerable attention because they combine entertainment personalities, social media rivalries and organised boxing events.

The upcoming encounter between Phyna and Nkechi Blessing follows that format, with the organisers using the public interest generated by their recent online exchange as part of the promotion for the October 1 event.

For the two entertainers, however, the contest will require preparation beyond their social media exchanges as they get set to appear in a regulated boxing environment.

The organisers are expected to provide further information on the bout format, tickets and other event arrangements ahead of the programme.

The Phyna vs Nkechi Blessing boxing match is therefore set to become one of the major celebrity attractions at the October 1 Chaos in the Ring event in Lagos.

Phyna, Nkechi Blessing Take Social Media Feud To Boxing Ring In Lagos