‘The Pain Is Too Much’ – Veteran Nollywood Actress Omotunde Ogundimu Cries Out for Help in Cancer Battle

Veteran Nollywood Actress, Omotunde Ogundimu, has made an emotional appeal to Nigerians and well-meaning individuals for financial assistance as she battles cervical cancer and struggles to meet the rising cost of her treatment.

Ogundimu, who has spent about 35 years in the Nigerian film industry, disclosed that she was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2024 after undergoing a series of medical tests.

The Actress opened up about her health condition during an emotional interview with her colleague, Biola Bayo, which was uploaded on Wednesday.

According to Ogundimu, the diagnosis came as a shock to her, as she wondered how she could have developed the disease.

“It was when I did those tests that they said I had cervical cancer. I said, ‘Where did I get cancer from?’ I am an easy-going person,” she said.

The Veteran Actress explained that the illness had affected virtually every aspect of her life, taking a serious physical, emotional and financial toll on her.

She revealed that although some individuals had come to her assistance, the financial demands of her treatment had become increasingly difficult to sustain.

Ogundimu particularly expressed gratitude to her three children, saying they had been using virtually all their income to cater for her medical needs at the expense of their own lives and responsibilities.

“I no longer have the strength. I have called several people, and many have helped me. My children have also been spending all their income to take care of me. They do not have time for themselves. I thank God for them,” she said.

The Actress said she had reached a point where she could no longer remain silent about her situation and had decided to publicly seek assistance.

She acknowledged that her decision could attract criticism from some members of the public but said her priority was to survive the illness and regain her health.

“I have thought about it, and I have to plead with the public finally. I know those who will abuse me will abuse me, and those who will help will help. It is just for me to be okay. The pain is too much,” Ogundimu said.

Global Mirror News reports that the Actress is facing her health battle at a particularly difficult period in her career, as she also lamented the declining number of acting opportunities available to her.

Despite having spent about three and a half decades in Nollywood, Ogundimu said she is no longer regularly invited to film sets.

She further complained about the remuneration offered for some of the roles she gets, revealing that she sometimes earns as little as N20,000 or N40,000 for acting jobs.

According to her, the amount does not adequately reflect her 35 years of experience and contribution to the Nigerian movie industry.

“I am a mother of three. I am a widow. My husband passed away in 2012. I am good at what I do, but I am no longer being called for jobs,” she said.

Ogundimu also appealed to her colleagues and other stakeholders in Nollywood to remember her contributions to the industry and support her during her difficult period.

She pleaded with anyone she may have offended during her long career to forgive her and consider the difficult circumstances she is currently facing.

“Whoever I have offended in the movie industry should please forgive me. They should consider my journey and the foundation of this industry,” she appealed.

The Actress further recalled the poor remuneration she sometimes receives despite her decades of experience.

“Anytime I am called to set, I am offered N20,000, N40,000. And you dare not complain. I have 35 years of experience in this industry,” she said.

Ogundimu’s appeal has drawn attention to the challenges faced by some veteran actors who, after spending decades contributing to Nigeria’s entertainment industry, may struggle to secure regular jobs and cope with expensive medical conditions later in life.

For the Actress, however, the immediate concern remains her health.

As she continues her battle against cervical cancer, Ogundimu is appealing to Nigerians, fellow entertainers, organisations and other compassionate individuals to come to her aid and help her continue the treatment she urgently needs.

Her emotional plea is not only a call for financial assistance but also a reminder of the difficult realities that some veterans of the Nigerian film industry face after years of entertaining the public.