Nollywood actress Faithia Williams has resumed promotion of her highly anticipated film, Efunroye: The Unicorn, just weeks after the heartbreaking loss of her mother.
The film, scheduled to premiere nationwide on May 1, 2026, marks Williams’ first cinematic debut and tells the story of a formidable historical figure a merchant, legend and kingmaker known as Efunroye.
Her return to the spotlight comes amid deep personal grief. The actress reportedly lost her mother on February 7, 2026 only two days after celebrating her 55th birthday.
In an emotional social media post, Williams opened up about the weight of her loss, describing each day since her mother’s passing as heavy and overwhelming.
“My mother is gone… and I haven’t even laid her to rest yet,” she wrote. “Every day since her passing has felt heavy. The calls. The condolences. The quiet moments when it finally sinks in. Grief does not wait for you to be ready; it just sits on your chest.”
Despite the pain, the actress said she made a deliberate decision not to retreat from public life.
“I could have stayed away. I could have mourned in silence. But I chose to rise, for my mother, for my legacy, for this story,” she stated.
Describing the film as “a purpose wrapped in frames and films,” Williams said the project represents a dream she carried for years and fought hard to bring to life.
I am Faithia Williams Balogun, and this project is a purpose wrapped in frames and films. Efunroye: The Unicorn is my first cinematic debut. A dream I carried for years. A story I fought to tell. A legacy I am determined to honour.”
The film explores the life of Efunroye, portrayed as a powerful and influential force before Lagos rose into prominence.
Before Lagos became an empire… Before power was negotiated in palaces… Power had a name. EFUNROYE. The Unicorn. Merchant. Legend. Kingmaker,” she wrote.
Williams acknowledged the emotional toll of promoting a major film while grieving but said purpose gave her strength.
I am grieving. I am hurting. But I am also standing. Because life does not pause. Purpose does not disappear. And strength sometimes shows up when you least expect it.”
She emphasised that her promotional efforts are not a distraction from mourning but an act of resilience.
“When you see me promoting this film, understand, it is not noise. It is resilience. It is a daughter pushing through heartbreak to fulfil a promise to herself… and to her mother.”
By As May 1 approaches, the actress appears determined to honour both her craft and her late mother — standing firm at the intersection of loss, legacy and purpose.
