Veteran Nigerian actor and musician Harry B Anyanwu has appealed to Nollywood practitioners and members of the public to support actress Maureen Okpoko, who is reportedly battling sight loss.

Harry B made the appeal in a video circulating on social media after visiting the veteran actress in Enugu, urging colleagues in the Nigerian film industry to come together and help her access the medical care she urgently needs.

The emotional appeal has drawn widespread attention online, with many Nigerians expressing concern over Okpoko’s health while calling for greater welfare support for veteran actors facing difficult circumstances.

Harry B seeks urgent assistance

Speaking in the video, Harry B said he was with Maureen Okpoko in Enugu and described her as a respected figure in the Nigerian movie industry who deserves the support of her colleagues and the public.

“I am right here in Enugu with my sister of inestimable value, Maureen Okpoko. Nollywood, let’s reach out to her and support her. She’s blind, but she can restore her sight,” he said.

The actor expressed optimism that her eyesight could still be restored if she receives proper medical attention, urging actors, producers, directors and other stakeholders in the entertainment industry not to ignore her condition.

He stressed that collective efforts from members of Nollywood could give the veteran actress another opportunity to recover and continue enjoying a better quality of life.

Calls for Nollywood unity

Harry B also used the opportunity to encourage unity within the Nigerian film industry, saying veteran actors who dedicated decades to entertaining Nigerians should not be abandoned when they encounter health challenges.

According to him, the industry has grown into one of Africa’s biggest entertainment sectors because of the sacrifices made by pioneers like Maureen Okpoko, making it important for colleagues to support one another during difficult moments.

His appeal has sparked conversations about the need for stronger welfare programmes and emergency support systems for ageing actors who may no longer have regular sources of income.

Many social media users praised Harry B for bringing attention to the actress’s condition, while others called on wealthy entertainers, producers and corporate organisations to contribute towards her treatment.

Fans react to video

The video has continued to generate emotional reactions across social media platforms, with fans expressing sadness over the actress’s reported sight loss.

Several users described Maureen Okpoko as one of Nollywood’s respected veterans whose contributions to the growth of the industry should not be forgotten.

Others urged relevant associations within the Nigerian film industry to intervene quickly and coordinate fundraising efforts that could assist with her medical care.

Some supporters also expressed hope that specialists would be able to restore her eyesight if treatment begins early enough.

Maureen Okpoko’s legacy

Maureen Okpoko is widely recognised for her performances in numerous Nollywood films over the years, where she built a reputation for portraying strong maternal and supporting roles.

Her work earned her admiration from movie lovers and helped establish her as one of the familiar faces in Nigeria’s film industry.

Although Harry B did not disclose the exact nature of the medical condition responsible for her reported sight loss, his appeal has renewed public discussion about the welfare of veteran entertainers after years of service to the industry.

As reactions continue to pour in, many Nigerians are hopeful that the awareness generated by Harry B’s appeal will encourage individuals, organisations and Nollywood stakeholders to provide the assistance needed to support Maureen Okpoko’s treatment and recovery.