Actress Halima Abubakar Calls for Unity and Love in Nollywood

Nollywood actress Halima Abubakar has asked her colleagues in the film industry to embrace love, empathy, compassion, and unity. She believes the lack of these values made her struggles worse during her 13-year health and personal challenges.

Speaking at a Holy Ghost revival event in Lagos on Saturday, Abubakar criticized what she sees as greed, distrust, and a lack of real care among those in the Nigerian film industry.

"They lack love, empathy, compassion. They lack trust. So many of them are so greedy. So many of them are not really what they seem to be," she said.

Abubakar explained that she decided to share her story so that Nigerians and the world could understand how much she has suffered.

"I allow this so that Nigerians can see where I’m coming from. And the world will watch and see how much I’ve suffered," she said.

She described her return to public life after 13 years as "a miracle" and "a second chance," saying her faith in God helped her recover.

Abubakar stated that she now relies on God to guide her life and believes He restored her after many years of hardship.

She also claimed that some people tried to ruin her reputation and career, stating that some even celebrated false news of her death.

Calling for change in Nollywood, Abubakar urged actors and filmmakers to support each other during tough times instead of abandoning colleagues who are struggling.

"We need love. You need to love yourselves in Nollywood. One person’s pain is everybody’s pain. But in my industry, your pain is your pain," she said.

Apostle Queen Belemzy also spoke at the event. She shared how she first became worried about Abubakar after seeing videos of her health online.

According to Belemzy, Abubakar initially turned down her offer of prayers because of a bad experience with another religious leader. However, the actress later reached out, believing God led her to ask for prayers.

Belemzy said their first prayer session, held online, marked the start of Abubakar’s healing.

The apostle noted that Abubakar began sleeping better, felt relief from various physical issues, and gradually regained her appearance.

Belemzy claimed she had a dream that showed her the spiritual source of Abubakar’s troubles and provided financial support throughout her recovery.

She mentioned that Abubakar, whom she called a new Christian, is now preaching and will go on an international tour with her to share her story and encourage others to seek God.

Abubakar’s health issues started in 2017 after she had fibroid surgery in India. This led to long-lasting complications, including ongoing bleeding and severe weakness.

Over the years, she revealed that she dealt with a brain tumor, heart problems, high blood pressure, spleen issues, insomnia, anxiety, and frequent bleeding.

The long illness kept her from acting for several years and caused financial problems, leading to public requests for medical help.

Earlier in 2026, the actress revealed that she needed about ₦25 million for brain tumor and spleen surgeries, post-operative care, accommodation, and other medical costs.

She has also accused some Nollywood colleagues of leaving her alone during her health crisis. At one point, she was suspended by the Actors Guild of Nigeria over disputes, but this was later lifted for health reasons.

In 2026, Abubakar announced her recovery, crediting her healing to divine help through Apostle Queen Belemzy’s ministry after she converted from Islam to Christianity.