Nollywood actor Ibrahim Chatta has opened up about a heartbreaking chapter in his life, the loss of his first child due to financial hardship.
In an emotional video recorded on a movie set, Chatta revealed that his daughter died at a hospital in Lagos because he could not afford the medical bills.
The actor, known for his roles in Yoruba-language films, shared the story during a candid moment with his colleagues while filming. The video was later uploaded on YouTube by Abiola Orisile Events & Parties and has since drawn emotional reactions from fans and colleagues.
Struggles with poverty
Chatta explained that his first child, a baby girl, was admitted to a hospital in the Iddo area of Lagos State. At the time, he was struggling to make ends meet. Despite his best efforts, he was unable to raise the necessary funds for her treatment.
“I tried everything I could to get money,” he said. “I walked from Ijora Badia to Makoko, hoping to get help, but I didn’t succeed. Nobody could lend me the money. I watched helplessly as my child passed away.”
His words painted a vivid picture of the despair he faced as a young, broke actor in Lagos, navigating the difficult streets of the city in search of help that never came.
Laid to rest in a coke crate
The story became even more painful as Chatta described how he had to bury his baby girl in a makeshift coffin made from a wooden Coca-Cola crate.
“She was buried in the old wooden crate of Coke,” he said softly. “That was all I could find. I had nothing. No money. No support. Just pain.”
The revelation moved many of those on set to tears, highlighting the struggles often hidden behind the fame and success that many entertainers later achieve.
Malik is not my first child – Ibrahim Chatta
During the video, Chatta also clarified a common misconception about his family. He noted that Malik, his widely known son, is not his first child.
“People think Malik is my firstborn, but he is not,” he explained. “My first child was a girl. I lost her because I couldn’t pay for her hospital care.”
The actor’s honesty struck a chord with viewers, many of whom praised him for speaking openly about such a painful personal experience. Some commented that his story serves as a reminder of the challenges young people face while chasing their dreams, especially in a country where access to healthcare can depend heavily on financial status.
Reactions from fans and colleagues
Since the video surfaced online, social media has been flooded with messages of support for the actor. Fans commended him for his strength and for shedding light on the harsh reality many Nigerians face when it comes to affording basic healthcare.
One fan wrote, “Ibrahim Chatta is a strong man. That story brought tears to my eyes. So many people are suffering in silence.”
Another user commented, “This is the reality for many Nigerians. People are dying not because their sickness is incurable, but because they are poor.”
Fellow actors and movie producers also reached out, some calling for better support systems for young creatives who are struggling to survive while trying to build their careers.
A painful memory, a lesson for society
Chatta’s story is not just about personal loss. It’s also a reflection of a broken system where healthcare is out of reach for many. By sharing this story, he has drawn attention to the urgent need for reforms in Nigeria’s healthcare sector, especially when it comes to the lives of children and the poor.
Although he has now become one of the respected figures in the Yoruba movie industry, this painful chapter in his past continues to shape his perspective on life, success, and compassion.
In speaking out, Ibrahim Chatta has turned his grief into a call for awareness and perhaps a spark for change.
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