Nollywood actress Evans Okoro has publicly confirmed her HIV-negative status following a voluntary test, a move directly linked to allegations that a colleague spread rumours about her health.
The situation emerged after Okoro publicly accused fellow actor Ekene Umenwa of engaging in gossip concerning Okoro and other industry figures. According to the allegations, Umenwa reportedly informed Adanma Waller, a Nigeria-based nurse residing in the UK, that Okoro was living with HIV.
In response to these claims, Okoro visited a medical facility to undergo an HIV test. She documented the process, sharing a video on social media that captured the moment she received her result. The footage clearly displays the laboratory report, which indicates a non-reactive or negative test result for HIV.
This public verification serves as a direct rebuttal to the circulating rumours. Okoro’s decision to undergo testing and share the outcome highlights the personal and professional impact of such gossip within the close-knit Nollywood community. The incident underscores the persistent stigma associated with HIV in Nigerian society and the entertainment industry, where rumours about health status can quickly damage reputations.
By choosing transparency, Okoro has taken a definitive step to clear her name and set a record straight. Her action brings attention to the importance of verifying health information and the harmful potential of unsubstantiated claims, especially concerning sensitive medical conditions. The case illustrates how personal disputes among public figures can intersect with broader public health narratives, emphasizing the need for responsible communication.
The aftermath now focuses on the fallout from the accusation. While Okoro has addressed the specific claim about her health, the broader conversation within Nollywood regarding professional conduct,trust, and the spread of misinformation continues. Okoro’s negative test result concludes this particular personal health inquiry, but the industry-wide discussion on managing such allegations is likely to persist. Her approach provides a clear example of countering damaging speculation with factual, personal evidence.
