By GLORY AKPAN

Nollywood actress Halima Abubakar has announced her return to public life after years away from the movie industry, saying her recovery from a prolonged illness was made possible through divine intervention.

The actress spoke on Saturday in Lagos during a thanksgiving programme, where she shared her testimony and journey.

Abubakar said she spent about 13 years away from the public eye, adding that her appearance at the event showed she had recovered.

“I am here. After 13 years, I am standing proudly because of what God has done in my life,” she said.

The actress disclosed that she was preparing to make a return to filmmaking, and stated her intention to concentrate on producing films with faith-based themes.

“I’m coming back as a producer. I want to make movies that teach about God and inspire people rather than glorify rituals,” she said.

She also urged practitioners in the Nigerian film industry to promote unity, compassion and mutual support.

“What Nollywood lacks is love, empathy and trust. We need to stand by one another because one person’s pain should be everybody’s pain,” she said.

Apostle Queen Belemzy, while addressing the gathering, said that her initial contact with Abubakar came after she viewed videos of the actress online earlier in the year.

According to her, she later prayed with Abubakar virtually and subsequently continued ministering to her.

Belemzy said she planned to take the actress on international revival tours to share her testimony.

“We have held revival meetings in Abuja, Port Harcourt and Lagos, and we intend to visit other countries so people can see what God has done,” she said.

Also, actress Queenette Agbor, described Abubakar’s recovery as encouraging and called for more unity within Nollywood.

“There is too much division in the industry. If we unite and genuinely support one another, Nollywood will achieve even greater heights,” she said.

Cornelius Udofia, publicist to Abubakar and Director of Communications of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Lagos State Chapter, said the event was organised to celebrate Abubakar’s recovery and publicly thank God.

Udofia said the event was also aimed at encouraging practitioners in the entertainment industry.

Chairperson of AGN Lagos State Chapter, Funmilayo Mary-Edwards, congratulated Abubakar on her recovery and urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in faith.

“We are here to thank God with her. Her story reminds us that with God, all things are possible,” she said. (NAN)