Touchaheart – Zack Orji, a veteran Nigerian actor and filmmaker, is reportedly fighting for his life at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the National Hospital in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria.
According to sources close to the actor, he collapsed in his bathroom two days ago after feeling weak for several weeks. He was rushed to the hospital by his family and friends, where he remains in critical condition.
Joe Igbokwe, a prominent politician and member of the All-Progressives Congress (APC), confirmed the news on his Facebook page on Sunday.
He wrote, “PLEASE PRAY FOR JACK ORJI. Nollywood Actor Zack Orji in critical condition in the ICU of the National Hospital in Abuja. According to reports Orji can’t walk or talk, and all kinds of test is being run on him to ascertain what is wrong.”
Who is Zack Orji?
Zack Orji, whose full name is Zachee Ama Orji, is a 63-year-old actor, director, producer and filmmaker.
He is one of the pioneers of the Nigerian film industry, popularly known as Nollywood.
He made his acting debut in 1991 with the movie Unforgiven Sin.
Since then, he has starred in over 200 movies, including Glamour Girls, Blood Money, Half of a Yellow Sun, and King of Boys.
He has also won several awards and recognitions for his contributions to Nollywood, such as the African Movie Academy Award (AMAA) for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in 2006, and the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) in 2016.
He is married to Ngozi Orji, a gospel singer, and they have three children.
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How is the Nollywood Community Reacting?
The news of Zack Orji’s ill health has shocked and saddened the Nollywood community, as well as his fans and admirers. Many of his colleagues and friends have taken to social media to express their concern and offer their prayers and support.
The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), the umbrella body of Nigerian actors, also issued a statement on the matter.
The statement read, “The AGN is deeply saddened by the news of Zack Orji’s hospitalization. He is one of our most respected and talented members, and a legend of Nollywood. We urge all Nigerians to join us in praying for his speedy recovery and divine healing. We also appeal to the government and the public to assist him financially and morally in this difficult time.”
The statement also revealed that another Nollywood actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu, is also battling with a serious health condition.
The comic actor, who is known for his hilarious roles in movies like Mr. Ibu in London and Mr. Ibu and Son, had his leg amputated earlier this month due to complications from diabetes. He is also said to be barely able to talk.
The AGN called for more prayers and support for Mr. Ibu and urged the Nollywood industry to take better care of their health and well-being.
