The doctor whose name appeared on the controversial medical document paraded by social media personality Blessing Okoro, widely known as Blessing CEO, has officially denied issuing any cancer report to her.
In a clarification released by the Nigerian Medical Association (Delta State Branch), Dr. O. A. Odigwe, a consultant pathologist, stated unequivocally, “I never issued any medical report to Blessing Okoro, nor have I met her as a patient. The only related histology report prepared by my laboratory was on May 9, 2025, for a patient named Deborah Mbara, following a biopsy request from a private hospital doctor in Asaba. The version circulating online with Blessing CEO’s name appears to have been altered and did not originate from my facility.”
He also corrected online assertions about his location, saying, “I reside and practice in Asaba, Delta State, not Enugu, as has been incorrectly reported.”
The NMA (Delta State branch), in the same communication, emphasized the importance of public trust in medical documentation and urged authorities to act, stating:
“It is critical that medical reports are protected and verified before being used publicly to prevent exploitation of well‑meaning members of the public.”
Blessing CEO’s Response: Clarification and Controversy
In earlier interviews, Blessing CEO addressed the backlash over her health claims. During a televised discussion, she denied ever claiming she had stage 4 cancer, calling any such narrative a “miscommunication” and insisting she had only received preliminary biopsy results and was still awaiting further tests.
Blessing was quoted as saying, “I don’t have stage 4 cancer. That was a miscommunication… I just received my biopsy results.”
She also confirmed she had not begun chemotherapy and maintained that her fundraising total was ₦13 million, not the inflated figures circulating online.
On criticisms about the donations, she insisted, “I will not post my results online because it’s personal, and I don’t owe anyone an apology… I’m just trying to communicate what the doctors have told me.”
Backlash and Legal Pressure Mount
The alleged forgery has drawn significant public outcry and calls for accountability. Many Nigerians have condemned what they see as a misleading appeal, demanding refunds and potential legal action.
Amid the wave of criticism, Blessing Okoro has since deactivated her Instagram account, and so has her partner, IVD, as the fallout continues.
The controversy has not only sparked debate around online fundraising and influencer responsibility but also drawn attention to how medical documentation should be verified before being used in public appeals.
