Mercy Johnson opens up on health struggles, reveals reason behind sudden weight loss

Beloved Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson-Okojie has broken her silence regarding her recent health challenges and the noticeable changes in her physical appearance, which have stirred concern among fans and sparked widespread speculation online.

In a heartfelt conversation with veteran actress Joke Silva, Mercy revealed that she had a major health scare that drastically altered her life.

The actress disclosed that she underwent thyroid removal surgery following a cancer scare, a procedure that has since led to significant weight loss and ongoing medical attention.

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She said, “I had a cancer scare and I had my thyroid removed. I was like a journey for us because we have kids and my lastborn was six month old at that time, we [my husband and I] kept saying, we had to understand this is the new us, let’s go get the surgery done.

“When we got there, they said that I was going to be on medication for the rest of my life. We had to sit down, they were saying I can’t miss my medication, telling me the side effects. So, I’m reconciling with this you are saying [my weight loss]. I’m at the point where you realised that this is where we are, let’s grow from here and live in this comfort zone.”

Mercy Johnson opens up on health struggles, reveals reason behind sudden weight loss

(DailyPost)

Actress seeks help after six years of homelessness

Veteran Nollywood actress, Jumoke George, has revealed the heartbreaking reality of her life over the past six years, marked by health struggles, homelessness, and the disappearance of her daughter.

In an emotional interview on the TalkToB show hosted by fellow actress Abiola Adebayo, Jumoke broke down in tears as she shared how illness and financial hardship forced her out of her home and into a church, where she has secretly lived for six years.

“There are some things that are embarrassing to say but at this point, I have no choice. I want to speak out. I am working but it’s not like I get jobs every time,” she said tearfully.

“Sometimes, it could be once in three to four months. That was before I became ill. After I became ill, I couldn’t go for a set I was invited to. Someone paid me since last year, I didn’t know I would get sick, I spent the money on treatment. I had to borrow money to refund the person.

“I went to another location but I couldn’t work. They had to bring me back because of my health. I’ve done several tests. I was told to do some more which will cost about N400,000. I don’t know where to get the money from.”

Forced into the church after eviction

Jumoke disclosed that after being unable to meet her rent obligations, she was evicted from her apartment and found temporary shelter in a church.

“The house rent became high and I couldn’t afford it anymore. The landlord told me to leave, I begged but what can I do?” she said.

She explained how the church leadership provided her with a small space to stay, which she tried to keep hidden from the public out of embarrassment.

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“Daddy told me to bring my things to a place he got for me but it was too small, it couldn’t even contain my things, so I had to put my luggage with different people. The things I worked for all my life were just getting spoilt.

“I was given a small room to manage, so I didn’t let people know where I was staying, except a few people who I didn’t even take to the room.

“Everyone in the church has access to the room. I only welcomed guests in daddy’s living room downstairs where they hold events like harvest.

“So, I’ve been living in the church for about six years. This is where I put my mattress to sleep,” she said, pointing at a space on the floor inside the church.

“It’s mummy church that gives me food to eat most times. Daddy died about two years ago, mummy church has also been trying. She buys drug for me and boils herbs for me.

“I’ve been living in the church. I couldn’t speak up because it was shameful. I was embarrassed,” she added.

Daughter missing, son in debt

Adding to her emotional pain, Jumoke revealed that her daughter, Adeola, has been missing for four years.

“My first child, Adeola, has been missing. I’ve been looking for her for the past four years. Any small money I get from working was spent on looking for her.

“She was in Ibadan where she was working and living with my mother. So my mother just called me one day to say that she hasn’t seen Deola who said she was coming to meet me in Lagos. I said I haven’t seen her,” she said.

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Jumoke recalled receiving a call from her daughter with a strange number, during which Adeola asked for forgiveness and explained that she had migrated with friends in search of better opportunities, only to face unforeseen difficulties.

“Then one day she called me with a strange number, I had no idea where she was calling from, she said I should forgive her. I asked to know where she was, she said I should just forgive her that she doesn’t know where her journey will lead her to.

“She said some of her friends told her that they should travel to a certain country that she didn’t mention to find greener pasture but when they got there, they met a different situation.

“Since then, I haven’t heard anything from her. I’m the one taking care of her children because I’ve not seen the father of the children since they separated when the children were younger. I don’t have his number, I don’t know his town, I don’t know where to find him. She was born in 1984, she clocked 41 on May 1, this year. If she was here, at least we’ll be managing together.”

Her son, Ife, has also taken on the financial burden of supporting her despite his limited means.

“Ife has also been assisting me. He has tried. I have put him in so much debt.

“He has borrowed a lot to transfer to me. The money he has borrowed for me is close to N2 million. I’m worried about him. Let them not sack him at work.

“His salary is small but he has been trying to take care of me. He is searching relentlessly for his sister too,” Jumoke said.

A plea for support and prayers

Jumoke, emotionally drained, concluded the interview by appealing to the public for prayers and emotional support, expressing her fear that her challenges may be spiritual.

“I am tired. I have tried my best as a believer. Even with my ill health, I have been fasting and praying. I don’t understand again, whether it is spiritual or not.

“Please pray for me, mothers in this world. Help me with your prayers. I need prayers. I have never ruined anyone life. I am tired, I can no longer bare it. No house, nothing, and a whole child is missing. Pain is not good. Please people pray for me,” she pleaded.

Jumoke’s story is a stark reminder of the silent battles many public figures face behind the scenes, and a call to society to respond with empathy, support, and action.

Actress seeks help after six years of homelessness

Ogunwusi, Soyinka laud Tinubu for creating cultural-friendly environment

Ooni of Ife  Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s growing recognition of culture as a vital pillar of national identity, unity and international diplomacy.

The monarch, who is the Global Patron of the World Orisha Congress (WOOCON), expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for creating a cultural-friendly environment and giving formal recognition to traditional heritage and spiritual institutions across the country.

“We are grateful that this administration is giving rightful recognition to our culture,” the Ooni declared. “Culture is the soul of a people. Without it, we have no identity. President Tinubu’s leadership is not only helping to reposition our cultural values on the global stage, but also bringing us back to the very essence of our existence,” he added.

Oba Ogunwusi, who spoke at a conference held at the Brazilian Consulate in Lagos,  organised by the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), as part of preparations for the upcoming global cultural exchange between Nigeria and Brazil under the auspices of WOOCON, called for religious tolerance among adherents of  religions, saying humanity should be paramount in all that religion stood for.

The Ife monarch urged the Yoruba across the globe to reconnect with one another in order to shift global perceptions about Orisa, saying Orisa was a propellant energy that no one could survive without.

Brazilian Consular in Lagos, Ambassador Carlos José Areias Moreno Garcete, lauded the historical and spiritual connections between Brazil and Nigeria, particularly through the shared Yoruba heritage that continued to thrive across both nations.

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Executive Secretary/CEO, National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) and Secretary of the WOOCON Board of Trustees (BOT), Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, emphasised the global cultural renaissance currently taking shape and the pivotal role Nigeria must play in the unfolding narrative.

“WOOCON is not just a congress—it’s a movement to reclaim and redefine African cultural consciousness and identity. This ground-breaking initiative is going to be one of the global cultural festivals that will reposition Nigeria as a major tourism destination in the world by exploring new opportunities in cultural and spiritual tourism that can generate over 10 billion USD annually for the country in the next three years if planned well.

“Nigeria’s decision to collaborate with Brazil in the area of culture, tradition and heritage is informed by the deep historical and cultural connections that exist between the two nations.

Ogunwusi, Soyinka laud Tinubu for creating cultural-friendly environment