Self-acclaimed relationship expert Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, is facing growing public scrutiny after announcing that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and was seeking financial assistance for treatment.
Gatekeepers News reports that the controversy began after videos she posted on Instagram on Wednesday, where she spoke about her health condition, the need for urgent surgery, and the financial strain caused by the illness.
In one of the videos, Blessing said, “I have been diagnosed with breast cancer. At this point, I urgently need surgery, including a possible amputation, to stop the spread and determine how far the tumour has gone, and whether one or both breasts will be affected.”
She added, “It was a very difficult decision to come online, but in a situation like this, you can feel powerless. I have not been able to work, and my resources have been exhausted. That is why I am appealing for support.
“If my words have ever had a positive impact on your life, and you are a fan, this is the time to show it. Nothing is too small. I just want to be well.”
In another video, she explained how the health issue began and how her diagnosis later changed.
“It started last year as a lump, and I went to the hospital. Weeks after the tests, I was told it was not cancerous, so I decided not to remove it at the time because I had a lot going on,” she said.
“But when I was ready to have it removed, another test was carried out, and it was discovered that the lump was cancerous and had spread to the left breast. We are now considering an amputation.”
Her claims have since sparked widespread reactions on X, with several Nigerians — including medical professionals — questioning some of the medical details she shared and urging her to provide verifiable medical reports.
A medical doctor on X, known as The_Bearded_Dr_Sina, criticised the explanation in her video and pointed out what he described as inconsistencies.
“I hate what celebs like Blessing CEO do, making it look like Doctors in Nigeria don’t know what they are doing. Now let’s fact check some things. A Video emerged in the morning, where Blessing CEO allegedly sais she had Stage 4 Breast Cancer.
“For context, Stage 4 Breast cancer means the cancer has spread beyond the Breast, to other distant organs eg Liver, Lungs, Brain, etc.
“Now you come with a video that is saying Doctors want to do a mastectomy to confirm how far it has spread etc How??? Same you, that already said Stage 4. Which Doctor told you they want to remove your entire breast to know how far it has spread. Really?
“Just to mention it is unlikely you want to do a Mastectomy for a stage 4 Breast cancer and most likely other therapies will likely be considered cos the cancer has left the Breast except perhaps reducing the size,” he wrote.
Another X user, Oluwatobiloba, reacted, “She’s confused, maybe the cancer came with confusion. I hope she gets better and gets all the help she needs.”
Kemi The Virtual Assistant also questioned the claim, writing, “I cannot take Blessing serious until I see a doctor’s report, she’s full of lies.”
Another medical professional on the platform, Clarethedentist, also called for clarity, saying the explanation provided did not align with standard oncology practice.
“Claiming stage 4 (metastatic to distant organs) then saying a mastectomy is needed ‘to stop the spread or determine how far it has gone’ doesn’t align with standard oncology protocols. In true stage 4 breast cancer, surgery is rarely the first or primary step — systemic therapy (chemo, targeted drugs, etc.) usually takes precedence since the disease is already beyond the breast,” the user wrote.
The reactions have intensified calls from some social media users for Blessing CEO to release medical documentation to clarify her diagnosis, while others expressed sympathy and wished her a quick recovery.
