The family of late Nollywood comic actor John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, has received ₦7.5 million in financial support from Nigerians following a public appeal highlighting their struggles with rent, school fees and other basic needs.
The fundraising update was announced on Friday by content creator King Mitchy through her Instagram page, two days after she shared an emotional interview in which the actor’s widow and children appealed for assistance.
Expressing gratitude to everyone who contributed, King Mitchy revealed that the donations had exceeded expectations.
“First of all, I sincerely want to thank everyone who donated. Together, we were able to raise ₦7.5 million for the family. God bless every single one of you,” she wrote.
She explained that the funds would be used to clear outstanding school fees for the children, including the eldest daughter’s West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fees, as well as help the family settle their house rent.
“This support will help pay the children’s school fees, including the eldest daughter’s WAEC fees, which they couldn’t afford. It will also help them with rent,” she added.
King Mitchy also disclosed that after speaking extensively with the widow about the family’s financial situation, she advised her to relocate to a less expensive apartment that would be easier to maintain.
She further stated that more portions of her conversation with the family would be made public to address questions that many Nigerians had raised since the appeal gained widespread attention.
“I only met her two days ago after a neighbour called me to help. I knew nothing about the family’s situation before then. My only focus from the beginning has been to make sure the children get the help they deserve,” she stated.
The donations came after a viral video showed Mr Ibu’s widow describing the difficult conditions the family had been living under since the actor’s death.
In the emotional interview, she revealed that their electricity supply had been disconnected for about two months because of unpaid bills, forcing the family to live without power. She also disclosed that they relied on water from a well and that the children had stopped attending school because their fees remained unpaid.
Mr Ibu, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated comic actors, died on March 2, 2024, at the age of 62 after a prolonged illness.
(Ripples)