Mr Ibu’s Family Receives ₦7.5m Public Support
Mr Ibu’s family raised ₦7.5 million through public donations to cover school fees, rent and immediate living expenses.
The family of late comic actor Mr Ibu has received ₦7.5 million in donations following a public appeal over their financial struggles.
The fundraising effort began after content creator King Mitchy shared a video showing Mr Ibu’s family asking Nigerians for help with unpaid rent, school fees and difficult living conditions. Two days later, she announced on Instagram that generous donations had reached ₦7.5 million.
“First of all, I sincerely want to thank everyone who donated. Together, we were able to raise ₦7.5 million for the family. God bless every single one of you,” she wrote.
According to King Mitchy, the financial support will cover the children’s school fees, including the eldest daughter’s West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC) fees, while also helping the family settle outstanding rent.
“This support will help pay the children’s school fees, including the eldest daughter’s WAEC fees, which they couldn’t afford. It will also help them with rent,” she added.
King Mitchy also revealed that she advised the widow to move into a more affordable apartment after learning about the family’s situation. She explained that she only became involved after receiving a call from a neighbour and had no prior knowledge of their difficulties.
“I only met her two days ago after a neighbour called me to help. I knew nothing about the family’s situation before then. My only focus from the beginning has been to make sure the children get the help they deserve,” she stated.
The appeal gained attention after Mr Ibu’s family disclosed that they had lived without electricity for about two months because they could not pay their bills. They also said the children stopped attending school due to unpaid fees and the household depended on water fetched from a well.
Mr Ibu, whose real name was John Okafor, died on March 2, 2024, at the age of 62 after battling illness. The overwhelming public response has provided much-needed relief for Mr Ibu’s family as they work to rebuild their lives. What more can be done to support families of late public figures facing financial hardship?
