Nollywood actress and art curator Chidera Adiele has made an emotional public appeal for help as she opened up about her family's long and painful battle with her younger brother's drug addiction and mental health challenges.
In a tearful video shared on her Instagram page, Chidera revealed that the ordeal began in 2019, shortly after her brother gained admission into the University of Lagos (UNILAG). According to her, his condition worsened during his first year at the institution in 2020, and despite years of treatment, his health has continued to deteriorate.
The actress disclosed that her family has spared no effort in seeking professional medical care, taking him to several psychiatric facilities across the country. She listed hospitals including the New York Psychiatric Hospital in Abeokuta, the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Concept One, hospitals in Gbagada and Benin, and most recently, the 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Yaba.
However, she explained that the military hospital discharged him after three months because it had reached the maximum period patients are allowed to remain admitted. Following his discharge, the family sought spiritual intervention by taking him to Zion Ministry, but she claimed his condition became even worse after returning home.
Chidera further revealed that the situation has deeply affected her personal life. She said she had previously moved out of her family home to protect her young daughter from her brother's unpredictable behaviour. However, after her parents were served a quit notice by their landlord, they moved into her residence along with her brother, bringing the challenges back into her daily life.
Describing herself as her brother's primary caregiver, the actress said she has been responsible for taking him to hospitals, overseeing his treatment, and covering medical expenses for years. She admitted that the responsibility has left her physically, emotionally, and financially exhausted.
Expressing her frustration, Chidera said she feels overwhelmed by the burden of caring for her entire family as the first child, adding that she no longer wants to be the one carrying responsibilities that should not rest solely on her shoulders. She also accused her parents of not doing enough to actively manage her brother's condition.
The actress disclosed that members of the public frequently contact her after seeing her brother wandering the streets of Lagos unclothed, a situation she described as both heartbreaking and alarming. She also expressed concern for the safety and emotional well-being of her daughter, who she said now lives in fear because of the situation at home.
Although she has made efforts to secure separate accommodation for her parents and brother, Chidera said the high cost of housing in Lagos has made that impossible.
Concluding her emotional appeal, the actress admitted that she has reached her breaking point after years of trying to save her brother. She pleaded with Nigerians to support her family in any way they can, saying she is overwhelmed and desperately needs help.
Her emotional revelation has sparked widespread sympathy on social media, with many Nigerians offering prayers, words of encouragement, and calling for greater awareness and support for families battling addiction and mental health challenges.
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