Controversial media personality Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has announced her battle with stage four breast cancer and needs financial help for urgent surgery.
In a video statement, Blessing, who appeared bald, revealed that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer, which has spread to both breasts, and is preparing for possible surgical removal.
She expressed feeling powerless and exhausted her resources, prompting her to appeal for public support.
“I have been diagnosed with breast cancer. At this point, I urgently need surgery, including a possible amputation, to stop the spread and determine how far the tumour has gone, and whether one or both breasts will be affected,” she said.
“It was a very difficult decision to come online, but in a situation like this, you can feel powerless. I have not been able to work, and my resources have been exhausted. That is why I am appealing for support.
“If my words have ever had a positive impact on your life, and you are a fan, this is the time to show it. Nothing is too small. I just want to be well.”
According to her, she initially discovered a lump in her right breast last year. While it was first deemed non-cancerous, further testing confirmed it was malignant and had spread to her left breast.
“It started last year as a lump, and I went to the hospital. Weeks after the tests, I was told it was not cancerous, so I decided not to remove it at the time because I had a lot going on,” she said.
“But when I was ready to have it removed, another test was carried out, and it was discovered that the lump was cancerous and had spread to the left breast. We are now considering an amputation.”
In subsequent videos, she admitted she was “scared” and “in denial”, adding that the diagnosis had left her overwhelmed, particularly as she rarely falls ill and was unaccustomed to repeated hospital visits. She also suggested that the severity of the condition made time a critical factor in determining the course of treatment.
As part of her efforts to raise funds for her treatment, Blessing CEO, disclosed that she had taken several drastic steps. These include putting her Lagos mansion up for what she described as a distress sale, shaving off all her hair, and auctioning her collection of luxury wigs at reduced prices to finance chemotherapy.
The announcement has since triggered widespread reactions, as she publicly appealed to Nigerians and well-wishers for financial support to undergo urgent surgery, chemotherapy, and other life-saving treatments.
Social media activist VeryDarkMan was among the prominent voices who publicly challenged her. In a reaction video, he stated that she had not provided “any concrete evidence to support her claim”, raising concerns about the lack of medical reports, hospital documentation, or confirmation from healthcare professionals.
He warned that serious health conditions such as cancer should not be used for emotional appeals without transparency, suggesting that the situation could be “clout chasing” or a publicity stunt. He also referenced her history of controversies as a factor influencing public doubt.
His remarks echoed the sentiment among social media sceptics, many of whom argued that her past conduct has made it difficult to take her claims at face value.
Similarly, Nollywood actress Sarah Martins has accused Blessing of faking the illness. According to Sarah, Blessing has no cancer and has been spotted daily with her boyfriend, businessman IVD
She alleged that the luxury Benz Blessing flaunted online as a gift from IVD was only for clout, claiming the couple is financially struggling.
Sarah further alleged that Blessing sold her old car to cover feeding expenses and that the cancer story was a manipulative stunt to gain sympathy and raise money to start a business for IVD. She insisted she had proof from Blessing’s next-door neighbour, accusing the influencer of playing on Nigerians’ emotions.
In Sarah’s words: “Blessing CEO has no cancer! She stays in Lakwe and enters the bus with IVD every day. The Benz she posted was a stunt for clout. Both she and IVD are broke. This cancer stunt is a manipulative stunt to gain sympathy and empathy from Nigerians to raise money to start a business for IVD. I have proof from her next-door neighbour. Blessing is playing on your emotions!”
In response to the backlash, Blessing CEO released follow-up videos to clarify the timeline of her diagnosis. She maintained that the condition was initially misdiagnosed and only confirmed after further testing.
She also reposted a video of an oncologist explaining stage four cancer in a bid to educate the public and lend credibility to her claims.
However, her decision to delete the initial announcement video further fuelled speculation, with critics interpreting the move as suspicious. Reports also indicate that while some close associates claim to have seen her medical results, she has declined to make them public, citing confidentiality.
She has since pushed back against critics, insisting she will recover and address the controversy later.
