Nigerian actress Biola Adebayo announced the successful fundraising of N15 million for veteran performer Olayinka Adebanjo’s surrogacy treatment, marking a powerful display of industry solidarity. The campaign gained momentum following Adebanjo’s emotional appearance on the Talk To B podcast, where she shared her story of losing her only child.
The fundraising success brings new hope to Adebanjo, who lost her 28-year-old son Adeniyi Ishola, a nurse, in a tragic football accident. Her journey resonated deeply with industry colleagues and fans after she revealed facing mockery over her childlessness while grieving her loss.
A significant breakthrough came when a leading Nigerian fertility specialist offered to support the procedure at a substantially reduced cost. This development means the raised funds can also help Adebanjo establish a business, providing longer-term financial stability alongside her pursuit of motherhood.
The veteran actress, who has been a prominent figure in Yoruba cinema since 1983, had previously explored adoption options, investing considerable resources in medical evaluations at an adoption center in Abeokuta. Her determination to explore medical alternatives led to considering surrogacy, initially estimated to cost between N15 to N20 million.
Adebayo’s podcast provided the platform for Adebanjo to share her struggles publicly, revealing the emotional toll of losing her only child and facing societal pressure. The subsequent outpouring of support demonstrates the Nigerian entertainment industry’s capacity for collective action in supporting its members.
The successful fundraising campaign represents more than financial assistance; it symbolizes the industry’s recognition of veteran contributors and their personal struggles. Adebanjo’s four-decade career in Yoruba cinema adds particular poignancy to the community’s response to her need.
Beyond the immediate goal of funding surrogacy treatment, this initiative highlights broader issues of fertility, aging, and support systems within Nigeria’s entertainment industry. The combination of medical assistance and business funding provides a comprehensive approach to supporting the veteran actress’s future.
The fertility clinic’s involvement marks a significant step in making advanced reproductive technologies more accessible to Nigerian women. Their reduced-cost treatment offer could set a precedent for similar support in future cases, potentially benefiting others facing similar challenges.
This development signals a shift in how the Nigerian entertainment industry addresses personal challenges faced by its members, particularly veteran performers who may need support in their later years. The successful campaign demonstrates the power of combining traditional media platforms with modern fundraising approaches to achieve meaningful results.
