Nollywood Stars Rally Round Asuzu, As His Health Deteriorates

By Akinwale Kasali

Nollywood Stars, under the auspices of Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, have rallied round one of their own, Ernest Asuzu, who has been battling with stroke for the past five years, as his State of health further deteriorated, forcing him to beg for alms on the streets.

Asuzu was a popular face in Nollywood in the early 2000 for his gangsterism role in movies, which he oftentimes interpreted to the excitement of his fans.

Sadly, six years down the line, Asuzu has become a shadow of himself, as he has lost the finesse that caught the eyes of movie producers and directors who jostled to have him on set.

There was a time the news of him attempting to commit suicide spread like wild fire, later, it was also reported that he was mentally unstable.

AGN President, Emeka Rollas, says that the body has set up a committee to raise funds for its ailing member, Ernest Asuzu.

Rollas revealed that other members of the guild had begun to respond to the directives of the association toward assisting their ailing colleague.

The AGN is a regulatory body of Nollywood, which regulates the affairs of film actors both in Nigeria and abroad.

Rollas said that Asuzu has been down with stroke since 2015, and he is one of them in the AGN, and the group is determined to assist one of its own.

“I have always identified with him since he developed stroke until there was a break in communication between them, but thank God that we have reconnected.

“We are following up on our promises and have swung into action by setting up a special fund raising committee for him through which our members can assist him.’’

Rollas added that the reason behind this idea was to raise money for him and the wife to take care of their daily needs.

The AGN leader also said that the body was planning to move Asuzu to a better equipped hospital in Abuja for better treatment.

He said that he was optimistic that the association would achieve this with necessary assistance and help from other Nigerians.

He added that the association was mindful of the interests of its members.

The president said that the leadership of the AGN was aware that its members must be in healthy state to be active in the industry.

Rollas said, “Sound health is paramount; that is the reason why we are working to strike a deal with the various health management organisations for our members.

“Through that, our members will be allowed to enjoy medical checks and treatments with little payment.’’

Rollas urged his members who have not done the needful regarding Azuzu’s case to comply.

He said that the AGN leadership was appreciative of its members that got in touch with Asuzu and also praying for his quick recovery.