The Actor Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has countered circulating reports alleging neglect and abandonment of their ailing member, John Okafor, also known as Mr. Ibu. The actor, who is currently unwell, celebrated his birthday in an undisclosed hospital in Lagos, during which he earnestly appealed for financial assistance to address his deteriorating health.

Despite these claims, there is a growing buzz among social media figures and commentators that the guild has left Mr. Ibu in a state of helplessness, leading him to seek financial aid from the public. 

In response to these allegations, the AGN issued a statement through its Director of Communications, Kate Henshaw, in a video released on Friday, October 20. The statement emphasized that the guild has never abandoned its members in times of need and has taken steps to provide for Mr. Ibu’s well-being.

Kate stressed the guild’s commitment to supporting its members, particularly in matters related to health. She clarified that they had been actively assisting even before Mr. Ibu’s health condition became widely known, with his family being informed throughout the process.

The Guild’s Public Relations Officer (PRO) disclosed that they had privately mobilized members to offer assistance, highlighting their practice of not publicizing their charitable actions. Normally, they wouldn’t be concerned about rumors regarding Mr. Ibu’s health.

However, the situation compelled them to address the matter, as their reputation and integrity are at stake.

She said: “The guild has never abandoned any of its members in need, especially with health intervention, we have been at the forefront of providing necessary support even before his health condition was made public and this has been done with the full knowledge of his immediate family members.

“We have had to task members privately to help in providing assistance towards the intervention and we do not make public any form of assistance; it is not our modus operandi. Ordinarily, we wouldn’t have blinked an eye over this Mr Ibu issue. Still, it has become imperative to make some clarifications as the integrity and welfare package is at stake.”