The children and widow of late Nollywood actor John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, have appealed to Nigerians for financial support as they battle to pay school fees, house rent, and meet other basic needs.

The family made the appeal during a video interview with content creator King Mitchy, where they opened up about the challenges they have faced since the actor’s death.

Speaking about their situation, Mr Ibu’s widow said the family had been living without electricity for about two months after their power supply was disconnected due to unpaid bills. She added that they now depend on water from a well because they cannot afford other options.

“We fetch water from the well. Because I have not paid the house rent. And they have even cut my lights for two months now. No lights since. We have been like that. Every night we go to look for a place to charge our phones. And… It’s not easy,” she said.

One of the late actor’s daughters also acknowledged her mother’s efforts in caring for the family despite their financial struggles.

“I want to thank God for my mom. She tries everything she can to feed us, to pay our school fees, to make us happy,” she said.

The widow further revealed that her children’s education had been affected by the family’s financial difficulties, noting that unpaid school fees could force them out of school.

“Right now, they can’t go to school again. I can even show you the message the school sent me today,” she said.

King Mitchy, who conducted the interview, said assistance was being sought to help the family clear outstanding school fees, pay rent and reconnect electricity to their home.

Tribune Online reports that Mr Ibu, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated comic actors, died on March 2, 2024, at the age of 62. (TRIBUNE)