Veteran Nollywood actress Ngozi Nwosu has made her stance clear: she will never offer her services to her home state, Abia, without payment.
In a recent interview, the 61-year-old star shared her disappointment over a painful chapter in her life—a time when her home state turned its back on her.
Nwosu, famous for her roles in classics like Fuji House of Commotion, revealed that she faced a serious health crisis back in 2012.
She was battling a severe kidney-related illness, a struggle that required significant financial resources and support.
However, she claims that during this difficult period, the Abia State government was nowhere to be found.
In her recent interview with Nollywood on Radio, Nwosu expressed her disappointment and frustration over what she describes as abandonment by her state.
Recalling her health crisis, Nwosu shared how her life was saved not by her own government, but by the goodwill of a fan.
It was this fan who reached out to the Lagos State government, eventually securing the help Nwosu needed to survive.
“If not for my fame and the love of my fans, I would have been abandoned,” she stated in the interview.
Nwosu explained that the fan who intervened was touched by her performances in popular TV series and movies.
The fan’s loyalty and admiration prompted her to take action, ultimately alerting the Lagos State government about Nwosu’s dire situation.
The Lagos government then stepped in, ensuring the actress received the treatment she needed to overcome her illness.
This intervention saved her life, she said, but also opened her eyes to the lack of support she had received from her own state.
Reflecting on her ordeal, Nwosu stated that the experience has left her unwilling to offer her services to Abia State for free.
“There is nothing my state will call me for that I would go for free,” Nwosu declared firmly in the interview.
According to her, any service she provides to Abia will now come with a “hefty price tag.”
“If Abia State wants me, they will pay through their nose,” she added.
Nwosu’s statement has stirred up conversation, especially among her fans and fellow Nollywood stars.
Many have expressed support for her decision, applauding her stance as a reflection of self-worth and resilience.
Others, however, feel that her decision is harsh and should be reconsidered.
Some believe that artists have a duty to give back to their communities, especially in their home states.
However, Nwosu remains resolute, stressing that her stance is personal and based on her own lived experiences.
Nwosu, who hails from Arochukwu Local Government Area in Abia State, believes that her decision sends a message to the state government.
She hopes it will encourage leaders to prioritize supporting their citizens, especially in times of personal crisis.
The actress’s declaration highlights a larger issue—one faced by many Nigerian celebrities and citizens who feel neglected by their states in times of need.
For Nwosu, the lack of support from her state is a painful memory that she cannot ignore.
This feeling of abandonment has fueled her determination to demand fair compensation for any future work she does in Abia.
While some critics suggest her decision could damage her relationship with the state, Nwosu remains unshaken.
She firmly believes that her decision is justified and is a matter of principle.
Her story shines a light on the challenges many Nigerians face when seeking help from their home states.
According to the actress, if her popularity had not attracted the attention of a fan, she may have been left to suffer without assistance.
Nwosu’s experience serves as a reminder of the gaps in social support systems, especially for individuals in creative industries.
Her plight also brings to the forefront a crucial question—should citizens, regardless of status, be able to depend on their state governments for support during critical times?
Nwosu’s answer to this question is clear: her state failed her, and she will not forget it.
The actress is hopeful that her story will inspire change and motivate governments to prioritize the welfare of their citizens.
Reflecting on her journey, Nwosu remains grateful to her fans, especially the woman who took action to save her life.
“It was my fans, not my state, who helped me when I was down,” she said, with gratitude evident in her tone.
Her words resonate deeply, shedding light on the loyalty that exists between Nigerian celebrities and their fan base.
This bond, as Nwosu’s story shows, can sometimes serve as a lifeline when other support systems fail.
