Mr Ibu family receives N7.5m after a public appeal, helping to pay school fees, rent and support the late actor’s children

The family of late Nollywood comic actor John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, has received ₦7.5 million in public donations following an appeal over unpaid rent, children’s school fees and difficult living conditions.

The update was shared on Friday by content creator King Mitchy, who said the funds would provide immediate relief for the actor’s widow and children.

King Mitchy announced the development in an Instagram post two days after sharing a video in which Mr Ibu’s widow and children appealed to Nigerians for assistance.

The emotional video drew widespread attention on social media and prompted donations from members of the public.

“First of all, I sincerely want to thank everyone who donated. Together, we were able to raise ₦7.5 million for the family. God bless every single one of you,” King Mitchy wrote.

According to her, the donations will be used to settle the family’s outstanding rent and pay the children’s school fees, including the West African Senior School Certificate Examination fees for the eldest daughter.

“This support will help pay the children’s school fees, including the eldest daughter’s WAEC fees, which they couldn’t afford. It will also help them with rent,” she added.

Beyond the financial support, King Mitchy said she had advised Mr Ibu’s widow to relocate to a more affordable apartment after discussing the family’s circumstances.

The recommendation emerged as one of the key outcomes of her visit, which she described as her first encounter with the family.

“I only met her two days ago after a neighbour called me to help.

I knew nothing about the family’s situation before then. My only focus from the beginning has been to make sure the children get the help they deserve,” she said.

King Mitchy also disclosed that she intends to release additional parts of her conversation with the widow, including responses to questions raised by many Nigerians following the viral appeal.

The fundraising effort followed revelations that the family had been facing severe financial hardship.

In the widely shared video, Mr Ibu’s widow disclosed that they had lived without electricity for about two months because they could not pay their bills.

She also revealed that the family had been relying on water from a nearby well and that the children had stopped attending school due to unpaid fees, sparking an outpouring of sympathy and support across the country.

John Okafor died on March 2, 2024, at the age of 62 after a prolonged illness.

Before his death, the celebrated actor underwent multiple surgeries following complications that eventually led to the amputation of one of his legs.

During his treatment, numerous colleagues, fans and well-wishers contributed financially towards his medical care.

Mr Ibu was one of Nollywood’s most recognisable comic actors, starring in dozens of films over a career spanning more than three decades.

His distinctive humour and memorable screen performances earned him widespread admiration both within Nigeria and across Africa.

The latest fundraising effort has offered renewed hope to his family while highlighting the continuing public affection for the late actor and the willingness of Nigerians to rally behind families facing hardship.