Why I’ve been living in a church for six years despite ill-health, missing daughter — Actress Jumoke George

Veteran Nollywood actress, Jumoke George, has opened up in an emotional interview on how she started living in a church six years ago, while battling illness and the heartbreak of a missing child.

Speaking in tears on the TalkToB show hosted by fellow actress, Abiola Adebayo, Jumoke said she hid her predicament due to shame and fear of public ridicule.

The veteran actress explained that her health began to deteriorate earlier this year which forced her to cancel scheduled acting jobs.

She said, “There are some things that are embarrassing to say but at this point, I have no choice. I want to speak out. I am working but it’s not like I get jobs every time.

“Sometimes, it could be once in three to four months. That was before I became ill. After I became ill, I couldn’t go for a set I was invited to. Someone paid me since last year, I didn’t know I would get sick, I spent the money on treatment. I had to borrow money to refund the person.

“I went to another location but I couldn’t work. They had to bring me back because of my health. I’ve done several tests. I was told to do some more which will cost about N400,000. I don’t know where to get the money from.”

Six Years of Homelessness

Still speaking through her tears, the actress disclosed that she has been living inside a church for the past six years after being evicted from her apartment due to rising rent she could no longer afford.

“The house rent became high and I couldn’t afford it anymore. The landlord told me to leave, I begged but what can I do?” She said.

She added that the church leader gave her a small space to stay which she had to keep secret from many people because she was embarrassed.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Daddy told me to bring my things to a place he got for me but it was too small, it couldn’t even contain my things, so I had to put my luggage with different people. The things I worked for all my life were just getting spoilt.

“I was given a small room to manage, so I didn’t let people know where I was staying, except a few people who I didn’t even take to the room.

“Everyone in the church has access to the room. I only welcomed guests in daddy’s living room downstairs where they hold events like harvest.

“So, I’ve been living in the church for about six years. This is where I put my mattress to sleep,” she said pointing at a space on the floor inside the church.

“It’s mummy church that gives me food to eat most times. Daddy died about two years ago, mummy church has also been trying. She buys drug for me and boils herbs for me.

“I’ve been living in the church. I couldn’t speak up because it was shameful. I was embarrassed,” she added.

Missing Daughter, Son In Debt

Jumoke’s pain doesn’t end with her health or homelessness as she revealed that her first child, Adeola, has been missing for four years.

“My first child, Adeola, has been missing. I’ve been looking for her for the past four years. Any small money I get from working was spent on looking for her.

“She was in Ibadan where she was working and living with my mother. So my mother just called me one day to say that she hasn’t seen Deola who said she was coming to meet me in Lagos. I said I haven’t seen her,” Jumoke recalled.

She disclosed that Adeola, however, called one day to beg for forgiveness and informed her that she migrated with some friends in search of a better life but they met something different.

Jumoke said, “Then one day she called me with a strange number, I had no idea where she was calling from, she said I should forgive her. I asked to know where she was, she said I should just forgive her that she doesn’t know where her journey will lead her to.

“She said some of her friends told her that they should travel to a certain country that she didn’t mention to find greener pasture but when they got there, they met a different situation.

“Since then, I haven’t heard anything from her. I’m the one taking care of her children because I’ve not seen the father of the children since they separated when the children were younger. I don’t have his number, I don’t know his town, I don’t know where to find him. She was born in 1984, she clocked 41 on May 1, this year. If she was here, at least we’ll be managing together.”

During the interview, Jumoke revealed that her son, Ife, has borrowed close to ₦2 million to support her medical treatment and general upkeep.

“Ife, has also been assisting me. He has tried. I have put him in so much debt.

“He has borrowed a lot to transfer to me. The money he has borrowed for me is close to N2 million. I’m worried about him. Let them not sack him at work.

“His salary is small but he has been trying to take care of me. He is searching relentlessly for his sister too,” she said.

‘Pain Is Not Good,’ Jumoke Calls For Prayers

Throughout the interview, the actress pleaded with viewers for prayers, saying she has exhausted every option and doesn’t know if her suffering is spiritual.

“I am tired. I have tried my best as a believer. Even with my ill health, I have been fasting and praying. I don’t understand again, whether it is spiritual or not.

“Please pray for me, mothers in this world. Help me with your prayers. I need prayers. I have never ruined anyone life. I am tired, I can no longer bare it. No house, nothing, and a whole child is missing. Pain is not good. Please people pray for me,” she said.

Jumoke is now calling on the public not just for sympathy but for support and prayers.