Adeola George the first child of veteran Nollywood actress Jumoke George is now on her way back to Nigeria after four years stranded in Mali, according to officials of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
How the story broke
In a tearful appearance on Biola Adebayo’s “Talk to B” podcast last week, Jumoke revealed that Adeola had been missing since 2021, while she herself was battling ill‑health and homelessness.
“I don’t have a home, I don’t have anything, and my firstborn has been missing for four years,” the actress lamented.
“Doctors are asking for ₦400,000 for brain and heart tests, and I simply don’t have it.”
The plea went viral, prompting Biola Adebayo to contact both the Nigerian Embassy in Bamako and NiDCOM chair Hon. Abike Dabiri‑Erewa.
Rescue effort in Mali
NiDCOM sources told The Eagle Online that Adeola had been living in Mali without valid documentation, preventing her from travelling. Diplomatic officers obtained emergency papers and organised overland transport back to Lagos.
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Departure: Adeola left Bamako on Friday, May 16, 2025, in a convoy arranged by the embassy.
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Route: Because commercial flights were not feasible, the team opted for a two‑day road journey through Burkina Faso and Benin.
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Arrival window: She is expected to reach Lagos on Monday night, May 19, or early Tuesday, depending on border formalities.
Hon. Dabiri‑Erewa is slated to receive Adeola at NiDCOM’s Lagos office, where she will undergo medical checks before reuniting with her mother.
Health concerns for Jumoke George
Meanwhile, friends in the Nollywood community have launched a crowdfunding appeal to cover Jumoke’s outstanding medical tests and rent.
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Target: ₦3 million (for diagnostics, medication, and six months’ accommodation).
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Lead organiser: Actor‑producer Biola Adebayo, who confirmed that over ₦850,000 had been pledged within 48 hours.
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Next step: A medical team at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) has offered a pro‑bono initial consultation once funds for imaging are secured.
Industry reaction
The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) issued a statement urging members “to rally round one of our own,” while also calling on the Federal Government to strengthen consular support for stranded Nigerians abroad.
Film‑maker Tunde Kelani added: “This episode shows both the vulnerabilities of artistes off‑screen and the power of collective action.”
What happens next?
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Safe return: NiDCOM will brief the press once Adeola arrives and completes immigration clearance.
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Medical follow‑up: Doctors will assess both mother and daughter for stress‑related conditions.
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Long‑term support: AGN says it is reviewing a proposal for a welfare fund dedicated to emergency health cases among actors.
For Jumoke George, a painful chapter seems poised to close—with hopes that a family reunion will mark the first step toward recovery and stability.
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