*Shares 2022 health scare as colleagues honour the veteran actor

By Florencemary Nwabueze

Veteran actor Keppy Ekpenyong Bassey has recounted how he slipped into a diabetic coma for two days in 2022, following months of intense work pressure and poor self-care.

The actor made the disclosure last Sunday at Ojez Lounge, National Stadium, Surulere, during a special tribute organized in his honor by the Ojez Entertainment Forum. Themed “Celebrating the Living Rather Than the Dead,” the event brought together notable figures from the Nigerian film industry, including Segun Arinze, Femi Durojaiye, broadcaster Effiong Idowu, Don Pedro Adabi of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN Lagos Acting President Mrs. Mary Edward, NFVCB DG Dr. Shaibu Husseini, Emeka Osai, John Chukwuma, musician Righteousman, comedian Dauda, actor-producer Prince Tunde Shado, AGN Director of Socials Blessing Ani, and Chidi Nwakobia, among others.

Speaking with NollyNow, Ekpenyong explained what led to his health scare and brief withdrawal from movie sets. “I’ve been working back-to-back. I was under a lot of pressure. I wasn’t sleeping or eating well. So my blood pressure spiked and that triggered a diabetic coma. But fortunately for me, I came out of it after two days. I was in and out of it for two days,” he said.

Reflecting on the event’s purpose, the actor added: “I’m really excited because when Effiong Idowu talked about the reason for the forum, he said it’s safer to give people their flowers while they’re alive. There’s no point celebrating a dead man. Once you’re dead, you’re dead. Nobody remembers you because you no longer count. I feel proud of this initiative. It should continue.”

Actor, producer and screenwriter Femi Durojaiye recalled his long-standing bond with Ekpenyong. “I’m celebrating my brother, my friend, my elder brother, Keppy Ekpenyong Bassey. A lot of people don’t know he was my senior in secondary school. So in this gathering, since his mum and dad aren’t here, I’m the one who has known him longest,” Durojaiye said.