The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has reiterated its unwavering support for veteran actor John Mr. Ibu Okafor, who is currently grappling with an undisclosed illness.
On Wednesday, the esteemed actor took to Instagram to make a heartfelt plea for financial assistance, a move that garnered widespread attention on social media, with calls for the guild to come to the aid of one of its own.
In response to these developments, Kate Henshaw, the director of communications for AGN, issued a statement via Instagram on Friday, clarifying the guild’s stance on the matter.
Henshaw emphasized that AGN had already been extending financial support to the renowned actor even before his health issues were publicly disclosed.
She underlined that making such assistance public was not the guild’s customary approach.
Henshaw’s statement read, “The guild has never abandoned any of its members in need, especially with health intervention, we have been at the forefront of providing necessary support even before his health condition was made public and this has been done with the full knowledge of his immediate family members.
We have had to task members privately to help in providing assistance towards the intervention, and we do not make public any form of assistance; it is not our modus operandi.”
The statement also stressed the importance of clarifying the guild’s position, citing the integrity and welfare package as key considerations.
Paul Okoye, a prominent singer, voiced his opinion on the matter, asserting that a Nollywood legend like Mr. Ibu deserved better recognition for bringing joy to screens over the years.
He urged his colleagues and fans to rally around and support the ailing actor during this challenging time.
