Nkechi Blessing has publicly apologised to TAMPAN, expressing remorse for past criticisms and hoping to mend industry ties.

Nkechi Blessing, the suspended Nollywood actress, has issued a heartfelt public apology to the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners of Nigeria (TAMPAN).

This gesture comes three years after her suspension due to a highly publicised feud with actor Lege Maimi concerning the controversial case of Baba Ijesha, who faced allegations of child abuse.

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TAMPAN serves as the umbrella organisation for Yoruba actors and filmmakers in Nigeria. The actress’s apology marks a significant moment in her attempts to reconcile with the industry she once passionately critiqued.

The fallout from her online altercation with Maimi and her support for her colleague Iyabo Ojo during the Baba Ijesha controversy had drawn considerable backlash from several TAMPAN members, including notable figures like Yomi Fabiyi and Lege Maimi.

In a series of events that followed, veteran actor Jide Kosoko publicly discouraged directors from collaborating with Blessing and Ojo, prompting Blessing to respond mockingly to TAMPAN’s actions.

However, during the 2024 Celebrities Entertainment Awards held in Canada, Nkechi Blessing took the stage to deliver her apology, visibly emotional as she addressed the audience.

In a viral video shared across social media platforms, she stated, “I am so sorry for all that I did. I’m begging from the bottom of my heart that I miss the industry. You all made me who I am today. I’m being celebrated all over the world because of you. Please, I’m sorry.”

Following her apology, Mr Latin, the president of TAMPAN, acknowledged her sentiments, bringing a sense of closure to the tumultuous situation. Actor Odunlade Adekola also praised Blessing for her willingness to make amends.

This incident comes in the wake of Baba Ijesha’s sentencing by Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of the Ikeja Special Offences Court in July 2022, after a lengthy trial lasting over a year.

As the industry continues to navigate the repercussions of this case, Blessing’s public apology serves as a reminder of the complex relationships within Nollywood and the importance of reconciliation in the entertainment community.