Nollywood actor Don Richard has publicly appealed for financial assistance to support his medical treatment following a prolonged battle with kidney disease. The plea was made in an emotional video shared widely on Instagram by fellow actor and television host Biola Bayo on Tuesday evening, drawing attention to the health and financial challenges facing the Nigerian film star.
In the candid footage, Richard described the toll his illness has taken on his family, revealing that his wife sold their home and car to fund his dialysis and other treatments. “When my wife heard about my condition, she broke down in tears. I told her, ‘Another man is a lucky man now,’ and asked her to care for our twin children if anything happens to me,” he said. The actor, known for his roles in numerous Nigerian films, added that the family’s resources have been exhausted: “We’ve lost everything trying to save my life.”
Biola Bayo, host of the popular Talk to B show, amplified Richard’s call for aid by sharing his bank account details in her Instagram post. She emphasized the urgency of his situation, noting the actor had been “battling kidney issues for some time.” While the exact timeline of his diagnosis remains unclear, the video highlights the spiraling costs of chronic illness in a region where access to affordable healthcare remains a pressing issue.
Kidney disease, often requiring lifelong treatment or transplants, poses significant financial burdens globally. In Nigeria, limited insurance coverage and high out-of-pocket medical expenses frequently force families to liquidate assets, as seen in Richard’s case. His appeal underscores broader systemic challenges while shedding light on the personal toll of health crises.
The Nigerian entertainment community has historically rallied around ailing colleagues through public fundraisers, reflecting both solidarity and gaps in institutional support. Fans and fellow actors began sharing Richard’s story across social media platforms shortly after the video’s release, though no official campaign has yet been announced.
As discussions about healthcare accessibility gain traction online, Richard’s plight serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by public figures and private citizens alike. The actor’s direct appeal for help, conveyed through raw emotion and personal sacrifice, has ignited conversations about philanthropy, medical equity, and the human cost of untreated chronic conditions.
