They Judged Him Unfairly’ — Bob-Manuel Reveals What Many Never Knew About Mr Ibu

Veteran Nollywood actor Bob-Manuel Udokwu has opened up about the financial pressures faced by many actors, saying public perception often overlooks the personal and family responsibilities that consume much of their earnings.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking during an interview on Udala FM in Enugu, the actor argued that men generally shoulder greater financial obligations than women, making life more challenging despite professional success.

According to Udokwu, although Nollywood provides income for its actors, many are burdened with numerous financial commitments that significantly reduce what they earn.

Reflecting on the final days of late Nollywood star John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, Udokwu recalled the public reaction when colleagues appealed for financial support to cover the actor’s medical expenses.

He said many social media users questioned how Mr Ibu could require assistance after years of acting, without understanding the financial realities behind his personal life and career.

Udokwu maintained that critics were too quick to judge the late actor, adding that many were unaware of the responsibilities he carried outside the public eye.

He also disclosed that he did not know at the time that Mr Ibu had more than one wife, suggesting that his family circumstances may have increased his financial commitments.

“Life is generally easier for female than it is for male. It’s not that Nollywood doesn’t pay, but actors have a lot of bills to settle. It pained me when John Okafor (Mr Ibu) fell ill before he eventually passed away.

“While we were trying to raise funds for his treatment, some people on social media kept asking, ‘Where is all the money he made from acting?’ People were just judging without knowing the truth. They didn’t understand the realities of the profession. I didn’t even know he had married more than one wife then,” he said.