As Adesua Etomi celebrates her birthday today, February 22nd, the Nollywood actress took to Instagram to share a deeply personal account of the challenges she faced in 2024—a year that tested her physically, emotionally, and spiritually. In a heartfelt post, Adesua recounted her battle with hyperemesis gravidarum, an emergency C-section, and the harrowing experience of watching her husband, Banky W, undergo surgery for a cancerous tumor. Despite these trials, she emerged stronger, expressing immense gratitude for life, love, and faith.
The post began with a celebratory tone but quickly delved into the raw realities of what she described as one of the most difficult periods of her life. “2024 really tried to take the wind out of my sail,” she wrote, acknowledging the overwhelming obstacles she encountered. Yet, even amid the storm, Adesua chose to focus on gratitude, celebrating not just another year of life but also God’s unwavering faithfulness. Her words painted a vivid picture of resilience—a testament to her ability to rise above adversity while holding onto hope.
One of the most poignant revelations in her message was her struggle with hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that can lead to dehydration, weight loss, and other serious complications. Adesua candidly shared how debilitating the condition was, emphasizing that it is far more than mere morning sickness. “If you’re going through this, I see you,” she wrote, offering solidarity to others who may be silently battling the same illness. “It’s not in your head. You are as ill as you feel & think you are, and yes, you need help.” Her acknowledgment of the physical toll it took on her body—and her validation of those suffering similarly—resonated deeply with followers, many of whom praised her transparency and empathy.
But the challenges didn’t stop there. While grappling with her own health issues, Adesua revealed that her husband, Banky W, was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor that required immediate surgery. The news must have been devastating for the couple, especially given that Adesua was already unwell and pregnant at the time. The dual burden of managing her own health while supporting her spouse through such a critical moment underscored the strength of their partnership. Despite the uncertainty and fear, Adesua expressed profound gratitude for her “incredible husband,” writing, “Banky, I love you to life.” These simple yet powerful words highlighted the depth of their bond and mutual support during one of the darkest chapters of their lives.
Adding to the complexity of her ordeal, Adesua underwent an emergency C-section after complications arose during her pregnancy. She described the situation as a direct attack on her life, stating, “the devil tried it with my life AGAIN.” Though she did not elaborate extensively on the specifics of the procedure, her description of the aftermath as a “harrowing healing process” suggested that recovery was neither quick nor easy. The phrase “it was a lot” encapsulated the sheer magnitude of everything she endured—a concise yet impactful summary of a year filled with pain, perseverance, and ultimately survival.
Through it all, Adesua extended heartfelt thanks to the medical teams who cared for her in Lagos, Nigeria, and Washington, DC. She credited them with saving her life, acknowledging their expertise and dedication during her most vulnerable moments. This expression of gratitude underscored her humility and recognition of the role others played in helping her overcome these trials. Additionally, she thanked God for sustaining her and expressed appreciation for the people in her life who showed her grace when she needed it most. “I know I missed a lot. I was missing a lot, but you extended grace and wrapped me in so much love,” she wrote, highlighting the importance of community and compassion during difficult times.
Adesua’s reflection wasn’t solely focused on the hardships she endured; it also celebrated growth and newfound strength. She revealed that the challenges of 2024 stretched her in ways she never imagined, teaching her that she is capable of far more than she realized. “God has used this season to stretch me and show me that I am capable of much more than I ever realized,” she declared. With renewed determination, she proclaimed, “NOW, I am coming for everything that’s mine. Nothing and nobody can stop me.” These bold statements signaled a shift from surviving to thriving, embodying the spirit of resilience and ambition that defines her character.
The post concluded on a lighter note, as Adesua shared her excitement about waking up to a surprise visit from close friend and fellow actress Jemima Osunde. “I woke up to the best gift ever. @jemimaosunde came to surprise me,” she wrote, capturing the joy of reconnecting with loved ones after a tumultuous period. This small yet meaningful gesture served as a reminder of the beauty of friendship and the power of human connection in healing and restoration.
Adesua’s story struck a chord with fans and colleagues alike, sparking an outpouring of love and admiration in the comments section. One follower wrote, “Your strength inspires me every day. Happy birthday, queen!” Another added, “Thank you for being so open about your journey. You’ve given hope to so many women out there.” Industry peers like Genevieve Nnaji, Dakore Akande, and Omotola Jalade Ekeinde also chimed in, praising her courage and wishing her continued success.
As Adesua steps into this new chapter of her life, she carries with her the lessons learned from her trials and the unwavering support of her family, friends, and fans. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of unimaginable hardship, there is always room for gratitude, growth, and triumph. For Adesua Etomi, 2024 may have tried to knock her down, but instead, it revealed the depths of her resilience and the heights of her potential. And now, armed with a renewed sense of purpose, she is ready to conquer whatever lies ahead—one bold step at a time.
