Veteran Nollywood actor, Keppy Ekpenyong Bassey, has opened up about a life-threatening health challenge that left him in a diabetic coma for two days in 2022.
The actor attributed the incident to prolonged work-related stress, inadequate rest, and poor eating habits during a demanding period in his career.
Ekpenyong made the revelation on Sunday at Ojez Lounge, National Stadium, Surulere, where the Ojez Entertainment Forum organized a special tribute in his honour. The event, themed “Celebrating the Living Rather Than the Dead,” attracted several prominent figures from the Nigerian entertainment industry, including Segun Arinze, Femi Durojaiye, broadcaster Effiong Idowu, Don Pedro Adabi of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), AGN Lagos Acting President Mrs. Mary Edward, NFVCB Director-General 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.
In an interview with NollyNow, the actor recounted the circumstances that led to the medical emergency and his temporary absence from film productions. “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.
Speaking on the significance of the recognition event, Ekpenyong commended the initiative, emphasizing the importance of celebrating people during their lifetime rather than after their death. “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,” he stated.
Also paying tribute to the actor, filmmaker, producer, and screenwriter Femi Durojaiye reflected on their long-standing relationship, noting that their connection dates back to their secondary school years. “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.
