I Came Very Close To Attempting Suicide When I Realized That My Growth Had Been Stunted

Chinedu Ikedieze, the well-known figure in Nollywood also recognized as Aki, has shared his retrospective account of the hardships he encountered during his upbringing due to being diagnosed with stunted growth.

In a recent conversation with the popular media personality, Chude Jideonwo, the 45-year-old actor opened up about his experiences.

Ikedieze recounted how his life took a challenging turn when, at the age of nine years and six months, a doctor informed his mother about his condition of stunted growth. This revelation deeply affected him and eventually led him to contemplate suicide due to his struggles with his growth limitations.

He shared, “A significant incident occurred when I was nine and a half years old. I vividly recall the doctor telling my mother, ‘Madam, what he’s experiencing is stunted growth.’ That was when I first encountered the terms ‘stunted’ and ‘retarded growth.’ I shed many tears as I endured bullying both in school and at home due to my lack of proper growth. The situation became severe, and there were moments when I contemplated ending my life. Thankfully, I didn’t grow up in Lagos, as the Third Mainland Bridge isn’t too far away [laughs].”

Ikedieze also expressed his deep gratitude towards his mother for her unwavering support during these challenging times.

He also reminisced about his initial meeting with his close friend, Osita Iheme, famously known as Pawpaw. According to Ikedieze, there was an instant chemistry between them.

Both aged 45 and 41 respectively, Ikedieze and Iheme have made a mark as distinguished Nigerian actors collectively referred to as ‘Aki and Pawpaw.’ They have shared the screen in numerous films over the span of two decades.