Veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan (Ogogo) received over 500 support offers from fans and colleagues as he undergoes medical treatment. His close friend Yinka Quadri said more than 300, and possibly over 500, people had contacted the family with suggestions and offers of assistance.
Quadri said the overwhelming number of offers had created a challenge for the family, particularly in determining which options could be pursued without disrupting Ogogo’s ongoing hospital treatment. “The challenge is simply: where do we take him to? And how do we move him from the hospital while he’s receiving care?” he wrote.
Senator Solomon Adeola has contacted cancer specialists to support the actor’s treatment, and Ogogo has been admitted to the operating theatre. His daughters had earlier disclosed that some medical facilities could no longer continue with chemotherapy. Quadri appealed to Nigerians to continue praying for the actor.
The winners: Ogogo and his family, who have received overwhelming support; and the Nigerian entertainment industry, which has shown solidarity. The losers: none; this is a moment of unity and compassion.
Bottom Line: Over 500 people have offered help. The actor is receiving treatment. The question is whether the support will translate into a full recovery.