By Jude-Ken Ojinnaka
A veteran Nollywood actor Zack Orji, has spoken on the terrifying details of his medical emergency which led to two critical surgeries performed on his brain in Nigeria and expressed his appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support.
Speaking to Channels TV on Sunday, Orji narrated how he collapsed in his bathroom and lost consciousness for over five hours before he was discovered.
“I slumped in the bathroom, and I can only say that it’s by the grace of God that I’m alive today because I passed out. I was out for like five and a half hours before help came,” Orji said.
The Nollywood actor was initially found by his colleague, Benedict Johnson, who with the help of another actor, known as Labista, took him urgently to the National Hospital in Abuja.
“Benedict Johnson rushed to the house, and I was there on the floor, incoherent. I couldn’t even stand because when he raised me, I slumped again, and he had to call another colleague whom we call Labista. So the two of them lifted me on their shoulders from the second floor to the ground floor and took me to the National Hospital,” Orji explained.
Orji’s first surgery was conducted on January 1 by Dr. Biodun Ogungbo, a notable neurosurgeon. “He’s an awesome guy,” Orji expressed.
A month later, a second procedure was required after scans revealed a residual blood clot.
According to Orji, during his recovery, he received support from many prominent figures, including the President Bola Tinubu and his wife, Oluremi; wife of the Vice President, Nana Kashim Shettima; the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu and several ministers.
“I’m grateful to God Almighty and I’m also grateful to so many people who stepped in. The President of Nigeria, the First Lady, the wife to the Vice President, the President’s son, the Minister for Women’s Affairs, the Minister for Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, the Minister for Works, and a whole lot of other people,” he said.
Orji also noted the international concern for his health, with calls pouring in from across the globe.
“I was receiving calls from South Africa, from the UK, from the US, from some of them were willing to, they were asking me, how can we help? How can we be of assistance? So, it was overwhelming the way people responded to the whole thing,” Orji expressed.
After his ordeal, Orji was advised to seek a post-surgery assessment in the UK, where he consulted with Dr. John Yeh, further ensuring his path to recovery.
Reflecting on his experience, Zack Orji feels a deep sense of gratitude towards those who aided him during his health crisis.
“I’m grateful to God Almighty and I’m also grateful to so many people who stepped in,” he stated.