Nollywood star Adesua Etomi has given fans a glimpse into her intimate birthday celebration with husband Banky W in the United States, describing the occasion as her “best birthday ever” following a challenging year marked by serious health complications for both herself and her spouse.
The actress shared joyful video clips on social media Sunday evening in a joint post with her husband, showcasing moments from their special day spent watching “The Lion King” and enjoying international cuisine alongside close friends. The celebration’s apparent simplicity belied the profound significance it held for the couple after navigating numerous medical crises throughout 2024.
“It’s the simple things… Good people, good food, good Vibes. Best birthday EVER,” Etomi captioned the video compilation, emphasizing how meaningful these ordinary pleasures had become after their extraordinary year of hardship.
Just a day earlier, Etomi had opened up about the series of medical emergencies that defined her year, detailing her battle with hyperemesis gravidarum (severe pregnancy sickness), hospitalization, her husband’s surgery to remove a cancerous tumor, and her own emergency cesarean section. She revealed that even her recovery process had been harrowing, describing it as another instance where “the devil messed with her life,” but credited divine intervention for seeing her through these trials.
The birthday celebration represented a triumphant moment of joy after this period of intense struggle, with the couple’s obvious happiness and relaxed demeanor standing in stark contrast to the medical challenges they’ve recently endured. Their videos captured lighthearted moments of connection, laughter, and the simple pleasure of enjoying each other’s company—experiences that had likely gained profound significance following their health crises.
Banky W had previously shared his own birthday tribute to his wife, reflecting on watching her growth and expressing excitement “for the world to see her shine.” His message included a heartfelt promise of commitment regardless of future challenges: “No matter what the future holds for us, I am yours and you are mine.
This public display of affection and celebration prompted admiring responses from fans and fellow celebrities. Actress Jemima Osunde commented on the post, “Romance everywhere! Even on birthdays, premium love! Too sweet,” highlighting how the couple’s bond appears to have been strengthened rather than diminished by their recent difficulties.
Other followers noted the value of having loved ones during life’s challenges, with one fan commenting, “Life is easier and more fun with loved ones around,” while another praised the couple: “Beautiful mama. God bless you both for taking care of each other.
The celebration takes on additional significance when viewed against the backdrop of their public health struggles. Hyperemesis gravidarum, the condition Etomi battled during pregnancy, causes severe nausea and vomiting, often requiring hospitalization due to dehydration and weight loss. The condition affects approximately 1-3% of pregnant women and can be debilitating, sometimes lasting throughout the entire pregnancy.
Meanwhile, Banky W’s cancer surgery represented another major health crisis for the family. The musician and filmmaker has previously been open about his health battles, including a prior surgery to remove skin cancer tumors in 2017. His wife’s reference to another cancer surgery suggests a recurrence or new diagnosis that added to their year of medical challenges.
The couple’s ability to find joy and celebrate life’s simple pleasures after such a difficult period resonated strongly with their followers. Their shared resilience has become a hallmark of their relationship in the public eye, with many fans viewing their partnership as aspirational.
Etomi and Banky W (born Olubankole Wellington) have long been considered one of Nigeria’s most beloved celebrity couples since their 2017 wedding, which was widely covered by media and even inspired a Netflix film, “The Wedding Party.” Their relationship has been characterized by public displays of support and affection, with both partners frequently sharing tributes to each other on social media.
Beyond their personal relationship, both are accomplished professionals in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Adesua has established herself as one of Nollywood’s leading actresses with performances in films like “The Wedding Party,” “King of Boys,” and “Sugar Rush.” Banky W has enjoyed success as a musician, actor, entrepreneur, and more recently as a politician, having run for political office in Lagos State.
Their open discussion of health challenges represents a departure from the often carefully curated images presented by public figures on social media. By sharing both their struggles and celebrations, the couple has created a more authentic connection with their audience while potentially reducing stigma around health issues.
The birthday celebration, with its emphasis on “simple things” like good company and good food, also reflects a potential shift in priorities following their health scares. Such life-threatening experiences often prompt reassessment of what truly matters, with many survivors reporting greater appreciation for everyday joys and connections.
As the couple continues to share glimpses of their life together, their journey serves as both entertainment and inspiration for fans who have followed their relationship through both celebrations and challenges. Their birthday video, capturing moments of authentic joy after a period of hardship, offers a narrative of resilience that resonates beyond celebrity gossip to touch on universal themes of perseverance, recovery, and finding happiness amid life’s unpredictable storms.
