By Fasuyi Tolulope Samuel
Nollywood actor Chinedu Ikedieze, popularly known as “Aki,” has shared a deeply personal story about his battle with suicidal thoughts following a childhood diagnosis of stunted growth.
Recounting his experience, Ikedieze revealed how doctors diagnosed him with growth retardation, a condition that profoundly affected his self-esteem.
He disclosed that the constant mockery from people left him emotionally distressed, to the point where he contemplated ending his life.
The actor recalled that his mother took him to the hospital when he was about nine years old. At the time, he was ill, and the visit led to the life-changing diagnosis.”I remember my mom taking me to the hospital when I was around nine years old. I think I was sick.
The doctor told her, ‘Madam, stop worrying yourself. He has no problem. Just make sure he reads his books, goes to school, and is there for him.’
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“That hit me hard. I was born and brought up in the village, so hearing that kind of English from a doctor—it stuck with me. I remember the doctor saying, ‘Madam, what he has is stunted growth.’ Then he wrote something on a report, and I saw another word: growth retardation.”
Ikedieze explained that, at the time, he couldn’t even pronounce the term properly. However, as he grew older, he began to hear those words repeatedly, which reinforced his awareness of his condition.
Despite the emotional toll, his mother constantly reassured him and encouraged him to focus on education.
“My mom always told me, ‘You are small; you cannot start carrying cement or doing furniture work. The best thing for you is to go and study.’
“So I knew that the only weapon I had to conquer the world was education. But it was painful. People taunted me. I cried several times. They called me names. It got so bad that, at times, I thought of ending it all.”
Despite the challenges, Ikedieze persevered, rising to become one of Nollywood’s most celebrated actors. His journey serves as an inspiration to many, proving that determination and self-belief can overcome adversity.
