Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh has revealed that she began smoking at the age of 13 and struggled with addiction for 27 years before finding freedom.
The actress shared her story while giving a testimony during a Sunday service at Streams of Joy International Church.
Speaking openly, Dikeh said her struggles went beyond smoking. She disclosed that she also battled alcohol addiction, masturbation, and prolonged anger issues, which she described as a form of “demonic oppression.”
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According to her, these challenges affected her personal life, relationships, and overall wellbeing for many years.
The actress attributed her recovery to divine intervention, explaining that her life began to change when she became more intentional about her spiritual growth.
She said her freedom did not happen overnight but followed a deeper commitment to her faith.
“I smoked since I was 13,” Dikeh told the congregation. “God healed me from masturbation too. These were battles I had been dealing with for a long time.”
She explained that her smoking habit started early because her father was a smoker, noting that exposure at a young age played a major role in her addiction.
Using her experience as a warning, she advised parents to be mindful of the habits they display around their children.
“Parents should be careful,” she said, stressing that children often pick up behaviours they see at home without fully understanding the consequences.
The 40-year-old actress also spoke about what she described as “demonic anger,” which she said once controlled her reactions and damaged her relationships.
According to her, she recently experienced healing from the anger, which brought noticeable peace and clarity into her life.
Dikeh’s testimony was met with prayers from the founder of Streams of Joy International Church, Pastor Jerry Eze. While praying for her, he declared that “the burden of sin is broken” and described the actress as “a voice in her generation.”
The moment drew emotional reactions from members of the congregation, many of whom applauded her honesty and courage.
Over the years, Tonto Dikeh has remained one of Nollywood’s most outspoken figures, often sharing personal experiences with the public.
Her latest testimony has sparked conversations around addiction, healing, and the impact of early exposure to harmful habits.
Supporters say her story highlights the importance of seeking help, personal accountability, and the role faith can play in personal change.
As reactions continue to pour in, many have described her testimony as inspiring and timely, especially for young people facing similar struggles.
