The widow and children of veteran Nollywood actor John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, have appealed for help as they grapple with mounting financial challenges.
During a recent interview with content creator King Mitchy, the family shared details of their struggles since the actor’s death, revealing difficulties in meeting everyday expenses, including rent, school fees and utility bills.
The late actor’s wife disclosed that their electricity supply has been disconnected for about two months due to unpaid bills, forcing the family to seek alternative ways to charge their phones. She also said they now depend on water from a well because of their financial hardship.
“We fetch water from the well. Because I have not paid the house rent. And they have even cut my lights for two months now. No lights since. We have been like that. Every night we go to look for a place to charge our phones. And… It’s not easy,” she said.
One of the children acknowledged her mother’s efforts to keep the family going despite the challenges.
“I want to thank God for my mom. She tries everything she can to feed us, to pay our school fees, to make us happy,” she said.
The widow added that the family’s financial situation has begun to affect the children’s education, saying they may be unable to continue attending school because outstanding fees remain unpaid.
“Right now, they can’t go to school again. I can even show you the message the school sent me today,” she said.
King Mitchy said support is being sought from well-meaning Nigerians to help the family settle rent obligations, pay school fees and restore electricity to their home.
Mr Ibu, who earned widespread fame through his comic performances in Nollywood, passed away on March 2, 2024, aged 62.
