Naija & Western gistNews · Celebs · Trends

Trend Naija

Home › Nollywood & celebs

Nollywood & celebs

Blessing CEO apologises in tearful video weeks after son's death

A film clapperboard on set
Stock image: Mattbr / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

Social media personality Nkiru Blessing Okoro, known as Blessing CEO, has issued an emotional public apology, weeks after the death of her nine-year-old son.

The video

In a video posted on Instagram on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, the relationship influencer was seen crying inside a parked car. She said she had gone there because she did not want her mother to see her in that state. She described feeling confused, numb, broken and surrounded by darkness, and said she was so exhausted that she needed people to pray for her.

Her apology

Blessing CEO apologised to everyone she had hurt with her words and actions, saying she had spoken carelessly about pain she had never experienced and could now feel the pain she once mocked. She said she was only human and bound to make mistakes, and compared herself to the prodigal son returning home. She also thanked those who still love her and apologised to those who no longer do.

Background

Her son, Bryan, died from an asthma attack while she was being held in custody in Lagos, according to reports. She was later released on bail and is facing a court case, which is still ongoing. Since her release she has spoken about her ordeal and denied rumours about drug use. Before her troubles, she was known for strong and often controversial relationship advice online, which drew both followers and critics.

How people reacted

Many social media users expressed sympathy and prayed for her healing, while some said her apology showed growth. Others urged people to stop mocking her and to respect a grieving mother.

More gist

Nollywood & celebsReported
Blessing CEO speaking emotionally in a video recorded inside a car
Photo: Trend Naija

"I am broken, I now understand the pain I once mocked": Blessing CEO apologises, says she is returning like the prodigal son

Controversial relationship therapist Blessing CEO has shared an emotional message of regret, apologising to people she may have offended in the past. She described herself as broken and compared her journey to the biblical story of the prodigal son.

Read more

Controversial relationship therapist Blessing CEO has shared an emotional message of regret, apologising to people she may have offended through her words and actions in the past.

"I now understand the pain I once mocked"

In her statement, Blessing admitted that she once spoke carelessly about people's struggles without fully understanding what they were going through. Now, according to her, life has placed her in a position where she can finally relate to some of that pain.

She described herself as emotionally broken, saying her present struggles have left her feeling lost and surrounded by darkness.

Like the prodigal son

Blessing also compared her situation to the biblical story of the prodigal son, who returned home after going through difficult experiences.

Her words suggest a period of deep personal reflection, as she acknowledges past mistakes and expresses a desire to make peace with those she may have hurt.

A change in tone

For someone who built a reputation on speaking boldly about relationships, personal struggles and other people's choices, this public apology marks a noticeable change in tone.

Sometimes, life has a way of teaching people lessons they once thought they already understood.

Over to you

Has Blessing CEO genuinely turned a new leaf, or is this another emotional chapter in her controversial public life?

What do you think?

Nollywood & celebs
A film clapperboard on set
Stock image: Mattbr / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

Actress Rachael Okonkwo shows off engagement ring, set to marry businessman

Nollywood actress Rachael Okonkwo has shared a video showing her engagement ring and flowers, amid reports that she is set to marry Lagos businessman Chief Chukwudi Onuorah. Fans and colleagues have flooded her page with congratulations.

Read more

Nollywood actress Rachael Okonkwo, known to many fans as Nkoli Nwa Nsukka, is engaged, and her fans are celebrating with her.

What happened

In a video shared on social media on Monday, 2 November 2026, the actress showed off her engagement ring and a bouquet of flowers, smiling and saying she was blushing and shy. Reports say she is set to marry Chief Chukwudi Onuorah, a businessman based in Lagos who has been described as a billionaire. Separate reports said friends of her partner had also gifted her ₦10 million, which she celebrated online.

Background

Rachael Okonkwo rose to fame playing the character Nkoli Nwa Nsukka and has since appeared in many Nollywood films. The engagement comes during a busy period of celebrity weddings in Nigeria, including the recent Lagos wedding of singer LAX, which was attended by former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife.

How people reacted

Fellow actors and fans flooded her comments with congratulations and prayers for a happy marriage, while many asked when the wedding would take place.

New government role

Days after the engagement, the actress announced that Enugu State governor Peter Mbah had appointed her Senior Special Assistant on Film and Creative Industry Development. She said the appointment was made in September but she chose to announce it later, and that she hopes to support emerging talent and filmmakers and help position Enugu as a destination for film, arts and culture.

What happens next

The couple have not yet announced a wedding date.

Nollywood & celebsReported
A film clapperboard on set
Stock image: Mattbr / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

Francis Duru's family announces burial for 11 December in Imo

The family of late actor Francis Duru has announced that he will be buried on 11 December in Isiala Mbano, Imo State. Services of songs will hold in Abuja on 25 November and in Imo on 10 December.

Read more

The family of veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has announced his burial arrangements, weeks after he died at the age of 59.

The arrangements

In a statement titled 'Forever in our hearts' posted on the actor's official Instagram page on Monday, 2 November 2026, the family said funeral events will begin with a service of songs and tributes in Abuja on Wednesday, 25 November, at 5pm at the Family Worship Center in Wuye. A second service of songs will be held on Thursday, 10 December, at his late father's family compound in Okai, Eziama, Isiala Mbano, Imo State. The funeral and burial will follow on Friday, 11 December, in the same community. The family added that branches and associations in various states are also organising their own services of songs.

Background

Duru died on 22 October 2026 after an illness the family did not disclose. He was one of Nollywood's best-known faces from the 1990s and 2000s, starring in many popular films. His death led to tributes from colleagues across the industry. Last week, the family warned the public against fake burial flyers circulating online and said only official announcements should be trusted.

How people reacted

Fans and colleagues shared tributes under the post and promised to attend the services.