Blessing CEO Defends Breast Cancer Fundraiser Amid Backlash

Nigerian social media influencer Blessing CEO has addressed critics demanding refunds from her breast cancer fundraising campaign, insisting that donations were voluntary and defending her decision not to share her medical test results publicly.

Blessing first disclosed her breast cancer diagnosis in January and appealed to the public for financial support to cover her surgery and treatment. While many supporters contributed, some critics accused her of faking her illness to solicit funds, and a few have demanded refunds online.

In a viral video posted on Thursday, Blessing explained that the planned surgery has been delayed due to backlash. She said additional medical tests and post-surgery care have increased the overall cost, and that seeking financial support early was a precaution to avoid delays at a more critical stage of her condition.

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The influencer emphasised that she cannot share her cancer test results online due to privacy regulations and patient confidentiality. She added that even if disclosed, most online critics would not be able to correctly interpret the medical information.

“If I show you the result, can you interpret it? Show me one cancer patient who came to the internet to show their results. Because I came out and said lovers help me,” she said, highlighting the voluntary nature of donations.

Blessing also stressed that many critics commenting on her fundraising lack knowledge about cancer and patient privacy, and reiterated that supporters who understand the situation have contributed willingly. “If you do not trust me, do not give me your money. If you do not want to give, keep your money. I do not put a gun to your head to give me your one naira,” she added.

Supporters have defended her approach, noting that medical crowdfunding is a common practice in Nigeria, where high treatment costs and limited insurance coverage make financial assistance necessary for many patients. Experts also emphasise that sharing medical results publicly is not recommended, and privacy and transparency must be balanced carefully when fundraising online.

The controversy has sparked a broader discussion on digital fundraising for medical treatment, patient privacy, and the responsibilities of influencers in sharing personal health journeys online. Blessing CEO maintains that her decision is aimed at protecting her privacy while ensuring she can access necessary care.

Blessing CEO Defends Breast Cancer Fundraiser Amid Backlash

Madam Saje brokers peace in Akindele–Abraham feud 

Veteran Nollywood actress Fausat Balogun has intervened to settle a brewing rift involving leading actresses Funke Akindele, Toyin Abraham and Iyabo Ojo, bringing a swift resolution to a controversy that had stirred conversations across the entertainment space.

The disagreement, which recently played out in the public eye, was triggered by an incident at a movie premiere hosted by Iyabo Ojo.

During the event, Akindele was perceived to have ignored a greeting from Abraham — a moment that quickly went viral and fuelled speculation of a deepening divide among some of Nollywood’s most influential figures.

The situation gained further traction after Iyabo Ojo weighed in, hinting that underlying tensions may have stemmed from earlier remarks by Abraham about feeling sidelined in the industry — comments believed to have conflicted with a prior understanding between her and Akindele.

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The development reignited discussions about rivalry, recognition and unspoken competition within the Yoruba film circle.

Such disputes are not entirely new in Nollywood, where collaborations, endorsements and box office rivalry often place top actors under intense public scrutiny.

Social media has also amplified minor misunderstandings, frequently turning them into major talking points that shape public perception of celebrities and their relationships.

Amid the growing buzz, Madam Saje stepped in, leveraging her status as a respected industry figure to de-escalate tensions.

In a video shared on Instagram, she confirmed that she had engaged all parties involved and successfully mediated peace among them.

“I have taken up the matter since yesterday. I’ve resolved it and ordered them to take it off social media. I made them realise that their matter should no longer be discussed on social media again,” she said.

Her intervention appears to have restored calm, reinforcing calls within the industry for unity and discretion, especially among high-profile actors whose influence extends beyond the screen.

Madam Saje brokers peace in Akindele–Abraham feud

Iyabo Ojo Quits Mediation Between Funke Akindele, Toyin Abraham

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Iyabo Ojo has announced that she will no longer act as a mediator in the ongoing dispute between fellow stars Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham, citing her inability to resolve the tensions despite her best efforts. She made the disclosure in a detailed post on her Instagram page on Tuesday, addressing criticisms of her involvement and clarifying her past efforts to reconcile the actresses.

Ojo explained that her friendship with Akindele spans several years and has had ups and downs. She admitted to previously publicly criticising Akindele over a movie issue, which she later regretted, but the two reconciled. She then took deliberate steps to broker peace between Akindele and Abraham, at times pleading with both to embrace harmony, which they reportedly did for a period.

Awkward Moment At Iyabo Ojo Premiere As Funke Akindele Appears To Snub Toyin Abraham

The actress noted that the reconciliation came with an agreement that any future disputes should be resolved privately and off social media. However, she said the arrangement fell apart last December after Abraham raised complaints about alleged sabotage affecting her movie, which sparked renewed tensions and fan speculation against Akindele.

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The situation escalated following the premiere of Ojo’s new film The Return of Arinzo at the Balmoral Event Centre in Lagos, where a viral video showed Abraham greeting colleagues while Akindele appeared to ignore her. The incident sparked widespread debate on social media, with fans questioning whether past differences had resurfaced. Ojo also clarified that Abraham had originally been cast in her film but withdrew due to exhaustion and travel commitments, causing last-minute script changes.

Despite her repeated attempts, Ojo said she can no longer intervene in the feud. “Honestly, all this saddened me because the sky is big enough for all. I have tried my best, but at this point, I can’t beg anyone anymore. I honestly don’t want to get involved anymore,” she wrote. She urged fans to respect her decision, emphasising that when both parties are ready, they will reconcile on their own terms.

Ojo also promoted her film, confirming that The Return of Arinzo is set to premiere nationwide in cinemas from April 3. The renewed public attention on Akindele and Abraham’s relationship highlights the growing interest in Nollywood celebrity dynamics and the challenges of managing personal conflicts in the public eye.

Iyabo Ojo Quits Mediation Between Funke Akindele, Toyin Abraham