A distressing social media video featuring Nollywood comedy icon Amaechi Muonagor has left many Nigerians shocked and concerned about his health condition.
The video shows Muonagor lying in bed with a bandage on his chest, visibly weak and struggling to speak.
Beside him, another actor explains that Muonagor urgently needs financial assistance to undergo a kidney transplant.
This distressing news comes as Nigerians are still mourning the recent passing of Nollywood star John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, who also battled health issues.
In the video, released on Monday, Muonagor, speaking in Igbo, greets his fans before his voice trails off due to his condition.
Actor Kingsley Orji then steps in to explain that Muonagor has been grappling with kidney-related ailments for several months.
“He has been in this condition for months now, and he wants to undergo a kidney transplant,” Orji reveals.
“Recently, he was discharged from the ICU, but his response to treatment hasn’t been satisfactory.
Due to financial constraints, we had to bring him home, although it’s not advisable. His speech is barely audible. Please, he urgently needs your support,” Orji appeals.
Following the release of the video, many concerned individuals have been expressing their sadness, offering prayers, and pledging financial assistance.
The health challenges faced by Muonagor and the recent loss of Mr Ibu underscore the significant healthcare issues confronting Nollywood actors.
Given that most actors are compensated on a project basis and lack access to health insurance, many struggle to afford regular medical care.
While the Actors Guild of Nigeria has made efforts to secure insurance coverage for industry members, not all actors have enrolled in the scheme.
Throughout his illustrious career, Muonagor has starred in numerous films, including the iconic “Aki and Paw Paw,” where he portrayed the father of two mischievous teenagers.