The Nigerian film industry is again facing a tough period, as it mourns the loss of another talented actress, Cynthia Okereke, who passed away at the age of 63, adding to the recent string of tragic events.
After enduring a terrifying kidnapping incident during their film shoot in Enugu last year, actress Cynthia Okereke sadly passed away nearly a year later. She was abducted alongside actor Clemson Cornel Nonyelu, popularly known as ‘Agbogidi’.
Okereke’s demise was confirmed by Mr. Emma Onyemeziem, Chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Delta State chapter, who shared the heartbreaking news that she passed away yesterday morning in Enugu after a brief illness.
Adding to the confirmation, Mr. Ene Brown, the Enugu State counterpart, sadly revealed that the veteran actress had been struggling with High Blood Pressure and diabetes for quite some time now.
‘She has been managing herself all this while,’ he added.
Filmmaker and actor Joseph Okechukwu took to Instagram, pouring out his emotions in a heartfelt post where he eulogized the deceased as an amazing, kind, and lovable individual. He expressed his overwhelming devastation and the sense of loss that consumed him following Okereke’s unexpected passing.
He wrote: ‘Rest in peace, Nwanyi oma. I’m shattered beyond words.’
‘The fact that I was about to pay for your flight ticket to come to finish what we started only to hear you went to be with Lord just last night is one of the toughest things I’ve ever had to deal with in recent times.’
‘I pray I’m able to recover from this shock. Life is really just a mist. One minute you have it, the next you don’t. For the more than 20 years that I’ve known you, you’ve been such an amazing, decent and lovely soul to be around.’
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‘I never imagined you’d exit so unceremoniously. Words fail me. Sleep on, Cynthia. May your gentle soul rest on till we meet again in glory.’
It is worth noting that the actress, along with her colleague, Clemson Cornell, was abducted in Enugu on July 29, 2022, while returning from a movie shoot in Ozilla town, Enugu State. Fortunately, they were released unharmed by their captors several days after being reported missing.
The recent passing of Okereke adds to the list of talented actors the industry has lost in recent times, including Saint Obi, Don Brymo, Murphy Afolabi, Femi Ogunrobi (Papa Ajasco), and Chikezie Uwazie. These losses have dealt a serious blow to the industry, depriving it of some of its finest talents.
Cynthia, born in 1960, marked her debut in the world of acting in 1998, making a lasting impact with her performance in the film ‘King Jaja of Opobo.’ This pivotal role served as her introduction to the limelight, laying the foundation for her flourishing journey in the industry.
After her noteworthy portrayal as Sofia in the film ‘Osofia in London’ alongside Nkem Owoh, Cynthia gained widespread recognition within the industry. This pivotal role served as a springboard for her involvement in other remarkable movies, including ‘Hidden Tears,’ ‘Sound of Love,’ ‘Coronation,’ ‘Second Burial,’ ‘Lion Finger,’ ‘Second Chance,’ and numerous others.
The news of Okereke’s passing has prompted actress Rita Edochie, Angela Okorie, Emem Isong, and other individuals to share their condolences and express their sadness on their Instagram pages.
Actress Rita Edochie, Angela Okorie, Emem Isong, and other prominent figures have taken to their Instagram pages to mourn the passing of Okereke, expressing their grief and paying their tributes.
Angela Okorie, taken aback by the news, wrote ‘Oh no!’ Meanwhile, Emem Isong expressed her deep sadness, describing Okereke’s passing as ‘a sad news.’
Edochie wrote, ‘Too bad to hear this. Journey on my great sister till we meet again to path no more.’
Regrettably, it’s supposed that the actress carried the weight of the traumatic experience with her until her demise.