Nollywood actor Keppy Ekpenyong has recounted how he slipped into a diabetic coma for two days in 2022 after months of intense work pressure and neglecting his health.
The actor spoke on Sunday at Ojez Lounge, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, during a tribute event organised in his honour by the Ojez Entertainment Forum.
The event, themed “Celebrating the Living Rather Than the Dead”, drew several figures from the Nigerian film industry, including Segun Arinze, Femi Durojaiye, Effiong Idowu, Don Pedro Adabi of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), AGN Lagos acting president Mary Edward, Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) Shaibu Husseini, Emeka Osai, John Chukwuma, Righteousman, comedian Dauda, Prince Tunde Shado, Blessing Ani and Chidi Nwakobia.
Speaking with NollyNow, Keppy explained the circumstances that led to the health scare and his temporary absence 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 purpose of the tribute, the actor said he was pleased with the initiative to celebrate people while they are alive.
“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 also paid tribute to the veteran actor, recalling a friendship that dates back to their secondary school days.
“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.
Keppy, who hails from Akwa Ibom State, is one of Nollywood’s most recognisable veterans. He gained national attention through his role in the television series Ripples before establishing himself in the home video era. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he has appeared in productions such as Glamour Girls, 93 Days, Blood Sisters, King of Boys: The Return of the King, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti and The Weekend. He was also honoured by the Actors Guild of Nigeria in 2018 for his contributions to the film industry.
