Big Brother Naija reality star Uriel Oputa has issued a strong public warning against treating cancer as entertainment or clout-chasing material. Her message came directly in response to a video posted by controversial personality Blessing CEO, in which she claimed to be battling stage 4 cancer and declared, “My days are numbered.”
Uriel addressed the issue head-on in her own post.
“I CAN’T BELIEVE WE’RE ACTUALLY PLAYING AROUND WITH SOMETHING LIKE CANCER.”
Drawing from her personal experience, Uriel revealed that her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer last year.
“AS SOMEONE WHOSE MOTHER WAS DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER LAST YEAR, I TAKE THIS PERSONALLY. THIS IS NOT CONTENT. THIS IS REAL LIFE.”
She also advised anyone in a similar situation to cut sugar from their diet and seek proper medical attention.
The former BBN housemate drew a clear boundary on what should never be used for attention.
“THERE ARE CERTAIN THINGS YOU JOKE ABOUT, AND THERE ARE CERTAIN THINGS YOU DON’T TOUCH — THIS IS ONE OF THEM. NO MATTER THE CLICKBAIT. NO MATTER THE ATTENTION. THIS ISN’T OKAY.”
Uriel balanced her criticism with empathy.
“IF THIS IS TRUE, THEN MY HEART GENUINELY GOES OUT TO YOU.”
However, she did not mince words on the alternative possibility:
“BUT IF THIS IS NOT TRUE… THEN THIS IS ACTUALLY DISTURBING.”
She closed her message with sobering global statistics to remind internet users how really sensitive cancer is.
“Cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally. According to the World Health Organization, about 10 million people die from cancer every year worldwide. That’s roughly 1 in 6 deaths. Cancer is not a Joke.”
Blessing CEO’s video, which featured her in tears while making the stage 4 cancer claim, has divided opinions. Some followers expressed sympathy and prayers, while others accused her of seeking attention, a pattern she has been criticised for in the past.