Nollywood actress Halima Abubakar has shared an emotional account of the difficult period she faced while battling ill health, revealing her disappointment with certain industry colleagues she had hoped would reach out.
In an interview with Saturday Beats, the actress explained that although the lack of support initially hurt, she chose not to harbour resentment. She clarified that many of those involved were not close friends and noted that the entertainment industry is often shaped by rumours and assumptions.
“I didn’t say they abandoned me. We are not friends. You know how it is in an industry. When one person says one thing, every other person assumes that’s the truth. So, I don’t blame them,” Abubakar said.
She expressed frustration over how some situations were handled, including an indefinite suspension she received after submitting a report that was never acted upon. “If somebody said something that was presumably said by me, the proper thing to do was to call me and ask me,” she stated.
Recalling the isolation during her sickness, Abubakar said no one was sent to check on her. “You didn’t visit me when I was sick, nothing. They didn’t send anybody. They just left me to die, but God said I will live.”
Despite the pain, she emphasised that her colleagues owed her nothing. “They don’t owe me anything, and I do not owe them anything.”
The actress attributed her survival and recovery to her strong faith. “Someone I didn’t even expect told me this. But I’m here. God has been wonderful. You would not know that I’ve gone through what I’ve gone through. God has worked in me heavily because without God in my life, I don’t know what I would have done.”
Abubakar maintained that the experience has not diminished the affection she holds for her colleagues. “It doesn’t change the love I have for my colleagues. Sometimes, they might not know what is happening, then when one person picks a narrative, that person will run with it and tell other people. So, I don’t know what they heard. It’s okay. I don’t judge them.”
The ordeal has transformed her outlook and the way she relates with people. “So many people didn’t expect me to survive, but I am here. I saw everything. Everybody’s character and the judgment they passed, I saw everything. But we’re not talking about the past. We’re talking about the future, and I’m a changed person. I’m changed, even the way I talk.”
She also highlighted those who offered meaningful support during the tough period. Among musicians, she specially thanked Patoranking for his kindness, while noting that repeated messages to Don Jazzy went unanswered. Footballer Ahmed Musa was also kind to her.
Abubakar expressed particular gratitude to former Big Brother Naija star Mercy Eke, who surprised her with her support, as well as junior colleagues including Destiny Etiko, Lizzy Gold, Monica Friday, Queeneth Agbor, and Regina Daniels. The latter group provided significant help through free medical treatment.
“It’s something I cannot say thank you enough for,” she added.
