Actress Chioma Akpotha Announces Passing Of Father

Nollywood actress Chioma Akpotha has announced the passing of her father, Leonard Ndukaife Chukwuka.

In a post shared on her Instagram page on Friday, the award-winning actress expressed the deep pain of losing her last surviving parent, revealing that she lost her mother 13 years ago.

Chioma described her father as her comfort, her papa, and a precious part of her life, stating that the thought of having neither parent here anymore breaks her heart in a way she cannot fully explain.

She expressed gratitude that he lived a long life and was able to see his children and grandchildren, noting that the family had hoped he would meet his great-grandchildren as well. She acknowledged that no matter how many years one is given with a parent, there is always a desire for one more conversation, one more embrace, and one more day.

The movie star further appealed to the public to keep her and her siblings in prayers, while promising to share details about his funeral when the family is ready.

She wrote:
"I have been trying to find the words to say this… My beloved father, Leonard Ndukaife Chukwuka, has gone to be with the Lord. I lost my mother 13 years ago and now that my father is gone, the thought that I have neither parent here anymore breaks my heart in a way I cannot fully explain. So na only me bayi? My daddy, papa'm, obara'm, my comfort, and such a precious part of my life…GONE!"

"I am so thankful you lived a long life, and I am grateful to God you saw your children and grandchildren. We had hoped you would meet your great-grandchildren too, mana nya diba! No matter how many years we are given with a parent, we still want one more conversation, one more embrace, one more day. I thank God for his life and for the precious moments I spent with him, especially near the end."

"I have held this news close while trying to understand my own grief. As I share it now, I ask you to please keep me, my siblings, and the entire Chukwuka family in your prayers. Your love and support will mean so much to us in the days ahead. I will share details about his funeral when the family is ready. Rest well, Olowo of Ikate, my father. I will always love you."