Nollywood actress Adesua Etomi has laid bare the trials that tested her resilience in 2024, revealing an arduous journey through illness and emotional turmoil.
On February 22nd, as she marked another year, she chose to share the painful yet transformative experiences that shaped her past year. Her Instagram post was more than just a birthday message; it was a heartfelt reflection on survival, faith, and the unwavering love that carried her through.
The year, she admitted, almost drained her strength, throwing one challenge after another at her, including a prolonged battle with illness. But through it all, she emerged with a renewed sense of purpose and an unshakable determination to reclaim everything that was hers.
In her candid revelation, Adesua detailed the medical challenges that left her grappling with her health for months. “2024 really tried to take the wind out of my sail,” she wrote. “From being ill for months with hyperemesis—if you’re going through this, I see you. It’s not in your head. You are as ill as you feel and think you are, and yes, you need help.”
Hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of pregnancy-related nausea, took a toll on her, leaving her physically and emotionally drained. Despite the pain, she pressed on, enduring hospital admissions and medical interventions.
Yet, even in her lowest moments, she found herself fighting for more than just her own health—her beloved husband, Banky W, was also battling his own medical struggles.
While dealing with her own health crisis, Adesua received another devastating blow—her husband needed yet another surgery. “To find out the love of my life needed another surgery to remove a cancerous tumor while being sick and pregnant…” she wrote, the weight of her words revealing the depth of her pain. Banky W, who had previously undergone treatment for skin cancer, was facing yet another procedure.
The uncertainty, the anxiety, and the sheer exhaustion of navigating both her own medical issues and her husband’s left her emotionally depleted. But through it all, their love remained steadfast—a testament to their unbreakable bond.
As if fate had not tested her enough, Adesua’s health took another terrifying turn when she required an emergency C-section. “The devil tried it with my life AGAIN,” she recounted. “To end up with an emergency C-section and go through a harrowing healing process… it was a lot.”
The procedure, which should have been a joyous occasion marking the arrival of a new life, turned into yet another battle for survival. Recovery was grueling, pushing her to her limits. Yet, she persevered, her spirit refusing to be broken. Each day was a testament to her strength and the unwavering support of the people around her.
Grateful for the medical professionals who stood by her, Adesua made sure to acknowledge those who played a crucial role in her journey to recovery. “I want to thank all the doctors who looked after me in Lagos, Nigeria, and the team in Washington, DC, that pretty much saved my life,” she wrote.
Their expertise, care, and dedication gave her another chance at life, and she did not take it for granted. But beyond the medical teams, she recognized the people who, knowingly or unknowingly, extended grace to her in her most vulnerable moments.
“I also want to thank everyone who gave me grace in 2024, especially those who didn’t know what I was going through. I know I missed a lot. I was missing a lot, but you extended grace and wrapped me in so much love.”
Above all, Adesua’s love and appreciation for her husband shone through in her message. “I also want to thank God for my incredible husband. Banky, I love you to life,” she wrote, emphasizing the strength of their partnership.
In the face of adversity, their love only grew stronger, proving that even in the darkest of times, they were each other’s anchor. Through sickness and pain, through uncertainty and fear, they held on—unwavering, unbreakable. And now, having walked through fire and emerged on the other side, she was ready to embrace the future with renewed determination.
With the worst behind her, Adesua declared that she was stepping into a new season of life—one where nothing could hold her back. “God has used this season to stretch me and show me that I am capable of much more than I ever realized,” she affirmed. “Now? NOW, I am coming for everything that’s mine. Nothing and nobody can stop me.”
As she celebrated her birthday, she was reminded that despite the trials, there was still light, love, and unexpected joy. “P.S. I woke up to the best gift ever,” she added with excitement. “@jemimaosunde came to surprise me!” It was a fitting reminder that even after a storm, there are still moments of happiness waiting to be embraced.
