Blessing CEO rejects calls for apology, says N13m was raised

Self-styled relationship and mental health coach Blessing Okoro, widely known as Blessing CEO, has maintained that she has no reason to apologize following the backlash regarding her breast cancer claims.

Speaking during an interview with social media personality Egungun of Lagos on Saturday, she dismissed accusations that she falsely claimed to have stage four cancer.

She also clarified that she received N13 million in donations, contrary to reports suggesting the figure reached N100 million.

When asked to apologize to those who felt misled, Okoro questioned who she had hurt, suggesting the controversy stemmed from a misunderstanding of medical information provided to her.

She explained that she is not a doctor and may have simply passed on a message she received.

According to her, medical professionals are yet to determine the exact stage of the illness, and she is awaiting further consultations with her oncologist.

She noted that while a lump was initially believed to be harmless, it was later confirmed as cancerous following a biopsy.

Okoro declined calls to release her medical records publicly, insisting that her results are personal.

She also refuted viral claims that she raised N100 million, stating the total was much lower. Regarding potential treatment, she expressed hope that surgery would not be necessary but emphasized that her priority is survival.

She used the opportunity to promote breast cancer awareness, encouraging women to conduct routine self-examinations.

However, scrutiny over her diagnosis continues to intensify. A woman identified as Deborah Mbara has accused Okoro of manipulating medical documents to mislead the public.

In a separate development, businessman Alafaa Kariboye-Igbo, popularly known as Oil Money, claimed he donated N20 million and has issued a legal demand seeking a refund within seven days.

This is not the first time Okoro has faced public controversy; in 2019, she famously faced arrest and public criticism after falsely claiming ownership of a luxury property.