Actress Tonto Dikeh has responded to criticism that followed a viral video showing her praying for a schoolgirl during an outreach programme.
The video, which circulated on social media, showed Tonto conducting what she described as a deliverance session for the student. The clip drew mixed reactions online, with some users questioning the appropriateness of the scene in a school setting.
Reacting to the backlash, the actress defended her actions and reaffirmed her Christian faith in a post shared on social media.
“I would rather be mocked, ridiculed or even slain than silence the name of the one who saved me,” she wrote.
She added, “I EVANGELIST TONTO DIKEH WOULD RATHER BE MOCKED, RIDICULED, OR EVEN SLAIN THAN SILENCE THE NAME OF THE ONE WHO SAVED ME. I REFUSE TO HIDE OR DIM MY LIGHT BECAUSE IT MAKES OTHERS UNCOMFORTABLE.”
According to her, the incident happened during an evangelism outreach where the student approached her for prayers after complaining about disturbing experiences.
Tonto said prayers were offered and the situation was addressed spiritually.
In recent months, the actress has spoken publicly about her renewed Christian faith. She recently announced that she completed a discipleship programme at Streams of Joy International, the church led by Pastor Jerry Eze.
Tonto rose to prominence in Nollywood in the mid 2000s after starring in films such as Dirty Secret, Games Fools Play and Blackberry Babes. Beyond acting, she is involved in charity work through the Tonto Dikeh Foundation.
