Nollywood’s Emeka Ani solicits funds from sickbed after ‘major surgery’

Emeka Ani, a Nigerian actor, is seeking financial aid after undergoing what he described as a “major surgery” in Imo state.

Although the nature of his ailment wasn’t disclosed, a video of him on a sickbed surfaced online on Wednesday.

In the footage, the Nollywood star stated that he’s undergoing treatment at one Doctor Lugard Hospital in Owerri.

“Since December 7, I’ve been in this hospital for major surgery. At the end of the surgery, it expanded to a very dangerous one. I thank God I’m getting better now,” Ani said while in the company of some industry colleagues.

“I am soliciting funds from my people, members, friends, well-wishers, and those that love me so much.

“The bill is too much, I cannot carry it alone. Your little contributions will go a long way. I’m still taking medication at the hospital, Doctor Lugard Hospital, No. 21 Mbiri Road, Akwakuma in Owerri, Imo state.

“That’s where I am. Some members of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) have been coming to see me.

“To those who contributed and those who didn’t, thanks. In no time, I shall join you and we’ll continue to shoot.”

‘We’re aware of his condition’ — AGN talks fund for ailing actors

When contacted, Yakubu Abubakar, national secretary of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), told TheCable Lifestyle that the association plans to pay him a visit towards intensifying the medical intervention to which he is entitled.

“We’re trying to do something. We’re aware of his condition and we’ll soon take action. The Imo state chapter has visited him to assess the situation. At the national level, we’re making arrangements to see him,” Abubakar said.

“We’re looking at how we can intensify the medical intervention to ensure he gets well soon.

“The fund is currently on. We have three corpses lying in the mortuary. We’re going to bury them and give support to their families. Apart from Emeka Ani, there are over 16 members in such a critical situation across Nigeria.

“One of them as I talk to you right now can not see. There are many others I can’t mention. We had to appeal to our members and build support from inside. The reactions have been tremendous. Members have been contributing.

“They’re worried. We have raised a substantial amount of money to enable start operations. And the trust fund is under the supervision of Joke Silva to ensure that there is accountability and judicious use of monies donated.”

‘Member apathy sabotaging AGN’s health insurance initiative’

In mid-2020, the AGN had signed an MoU with Medicard Health Management, a health services provider, to end the practice of soliciting funds for medical emergencies among its members and independent Nollywood actors.

Quizzed on the status of the initiative, Abubakar decried the seeming disinterest of many actors in the scheme.

“That’s the problem. A lot of people are not subscribing to the HMO, perhaps because of economic situations. That is what we are preaching about right now. Members should make plans so they can check their health,” he added.

“You can go for a medical check-up bi-annually under the cover. But member apathy to this is the problem. People wait until the situation gets critical and then they begin to reach out to launch appeals which we’re frowning at.

“The insurance is there to help even if you have no cash. That’s why we selected over 600 hospitals across Nigeria, so you can pick any one nearest to you. You get drugs to manage your health instead of waiting for it to degenerate.”