Nollywood actress Halima Abubakar has expressed disappointment over what she described as a lack of love and empathy from some of her colleagues during her prolonged battle with illness, saying the experience exposed the absence of genuine support within the Nigerian film industry.
The actress made the remarks while reflecting on her health challenges, which have kept her away from regular acting for several years. Abubakar said her ordeal has fundamentally changed her outlook on relationships and the entertainment industry, urging colleagues to show greater compassion to one another during difficult times.
According to the actress, many people who she expected to stand by her during her illness were absent, leaving her to struggle largely on her own.
“My colleagues lack love and empathy,” she said, adding that the industry needs more unity and genuine concern for the welfare of its members.
Abubakar has battled a series of health complications since 2017, a period that significantly affected her acting career and public appearances. Earlier this year, she made an emotional appeal for financial assistance, revealing that she had been diagnosed with a brain tumour and needed about ₦25 million for surgery. She also disclosed that she had been evicted from her residence due to financial difficulties brought on by her prolonged illness.
In recent months, the actress has repeatedly appealed to well-meaning Nigerians for support, saying the cost of medical treatment had become overwhelming. She lamented that despite spending years in the entertainment industry, assistance from colleagues had been limited.
Abubakar’s comments come months after the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) lifted the indefinite suspension imposed on her in 2024 following allegations of defamation involving colleagues and other public figures. The guild announced the decision in January 2026, allowing her to resume participation in AGN activities.
The actress has recently indicated that her health has improved. In July, she announced that she had converted to Christianity and described herself as “a brand-new person,” attributing her recovery to her faith. She said she hopes to use her experience to encourage others facing similar challenges.
While expressing gratitude to those who stood by her throughout her ordeal, Abubakar called on members of the entertainment industry to cultivate a culture of compassion and mutual support, stressing that no one should be abandoned during periods of illness or personal hardship.
