According to a report by Leadership on Thursday, May 7, 2026, veteran Nigerian film actor, Roy De Nani, has spoken publicly about deeply personal experiences involving the loss of two of his children, linking the tragedy to severe financial difficulties he faced at the time.
The actor made the revelation during a conversation on the Where is the lie podcast, where he reflected on moments in his life that significantly affected both his family and career.
According to his account, both his son and daughter were living with sickle cell disorder, a medical condition that often requires consistent treatment and urgent blood transfusions during complications.
He explained that during critical moments when his children needed medical intervention to survive, he was unable to raise the funds required for their treatment, which eventually led to their passing.
He described that the condition his children were dealing with demanded constant medical attention, including frequent hospital visits and blood transfusions to manage crises associated with sickle cell disease.
In his narration, he explained that the medical system required immediate payment for such procedures in many cases, and delays in accessing treatment due to financial limitations can have serious consequences.
He added that at the time of the emergencies, the cost of securing blood and paying for hospital services became a major barrier.
The actor noted that despite efforts to seek help, the urgency of the medical needs and lack of available funds created a situation that was extremely difficult to manage as a parent.
His account highlighted how medical emergencies can become more complicated when financial resources are not readily available.
Roy De Nani also reflected on his life in the Nigerian entertainment industry, where he has worked as a Nollywood actor for many years.
He explained that the profession, while rewarding in terms of visibility and creative expression, does not always provide stable income for many practitioners.
He pointed out that actors in the industry often face irregular payment structures, with some waiting long periods before receiving compensation for completed work.
This financial instability, according to his reflection, contributed to his inability to respond effectively when his children required urgent medical care.He described how the challenges of balancing professional responsibilities and personal family needs became overwhelming during the period of illness affecting his children.
The actor further described the emotional strain that came with watching his children battle a lifelong medical condition while trying to secure enough resources for their treatment.
He noted that sickle cell disorder requires continuous management, including routine check-ups, medication, and emergency interventions when complications arise.
He explained that during severe episodes, blood transfusion becomes a critical part of treatment to stabilize patients and prevent life-threatening outcomes.
However, the availability and affordability of such treatment can vary depending on hospital facilities and financial capacity.
In his narration, he made it clear that the combination of medical urgency and lack of funds created a situation that was difficult to resolve despite attempts to find assistance from different sources.
The conversation on the podcast also brought attention to the broader realities faced by families dealing with sickle cell disorder in many parts of Nigeria.
The condition, which is inherited genetically, affects thousands of children and adults who require lifelong medical care and monitoring.
Many families often struggle with the cost of treatment, especially during crisis episodes that require immediate hospital attention.
Blood transfusions, medications, and hospital admissions can place significant financial pressure on households, particularly those without steady income.
Healthcare professionals have repeatedly emphasized the importance of early diagnosis, regular care, and increased awareness to help manage the condition more effectively and reduce complications.
He said, “I lost my son and my daughter because they needed blood transfusions to continue living, but there was no money to buy the blood, and they died.”
