Blessing CEO Apologises to Nigerians Over Past Controversies, Asks for a Second Chance

Nigerian social media personality and relationship commentator Blessing CEO, whose real name is Blessing Nkiruka Okoro, has publicly apologised to Nigerians and people she says she hurt through her past comments and actions.

The influencer made the emotional appeal in a video shared on her Instagram page on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Fighting back tears, she admitted that she had spoken carelessly about other people's painful experiences without fully understanding what they were going through.

Her apology comes amid renewed public attention surrounding her previous controversies, her recent release from custody on bail and the death of her nine-year-old son, Bryan, earlier this year.

'I am sorry for speaking about pain I have never felt'

In the video, Blessing acknowledged that some of her public remarks had caused hurt. She said her recent experiences had made her reflect on the importance of empathy and the consequences of speaking about situations without understanding the people affected.

“I’m so sorry for speaking about the pain I know nothing about. I’m so sorry for speaking about the pain I’ve never felt. I’m sorry for speaking about it carelessly,” she said.

She also admitted that apologies alone were not enough, observing that actions mattered more than words. Describing herself as ashamed of some of her past conduct, she appealed to those she had offended to forgive her.

Blessing addressed both people who continued to support her and those who had withdrawn their affection because of her actions. She said she wanted an opportunity to retrace her steps, make amends and begin again.

She compared her return to her family for support to the biblical story of the prodigal son, explaining that she was not ashamed to return to a place where she had previously been loved and accepted.

She remembers her late son, Bryan

A deeply emotional part of the video focused on Blessing's late son, Bryan, whom she affectionately called “Doom Doom”.

The nine-year-old died in a hospital on June 8, 2026, while his mother was being held at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos over separate fraud allegations. Reports said the boy had experienced recurring health challenges and suffered from chronic asthma.

Since her release on bail in late October, Blessing has spoken publicly about the loss and the pain of not being present with her son before his death.

In the latest video, she apologised to Bryan for not being there and said she missed him deeply. She also spoke about the grief experienced by other members of the family, particularly her mother and the boy's brother.

She disclosed that she and her mother sometimes hid from each other to cry, describing how difficult it had become to face one another while mourning the child.

The influencer also mentioned wanting to collect her son's school bag, uniform, lunchbox and books as treasured reminders of him.

The controversies behind the apology

Blessing's latest statement has renewed discussion about several controversies that previously attracted public criticism.

One involved her comments during the dispute surrounding the death of Bimbo Ogbonna, the late wife of businessman Ikechukwu Ogbonna, popularly known as IVD. Blessing's remarks about the relationship and the circumstances surrounding Bimbo's death drew criticism from Nigerians who considered them insensitive towards the deceased and her family.

She also faced backlash in 2026 over a breast cancer fundraising appeal. After announcing that she had stage-four breast cancer and seeking financial assistance, questions were raised about the medical information she presented. She later clarified that she did not have a confirmed stage-four diagnosis. Reports said she received donations during the fundraising effort.

Her recent release from custody

The apology also comes shortly after Blessing's release on bail following her detention over a separate property-related fraud case.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned her in June 2026 on charges relating to alleged obtaining of money by false pretence and stealing. The case concerns a disputed ₦69.15 million transaction involving a five-year lease of a property in Lagos.

She pleaded not guilty to the charges. Her release on bail does not amount to a determination of the allegations, which remain separate from her public apology.

IVD also asks for forgiveness

Around the same period, IVD also published a message asking his family, friends and business associates to forgive him for any ways he may have hurt them.

He described the previous five years as a period of personal struggles and reflection, adding that he was seeking God's mercy and hoping to correct his mistakes.

The timing of both messages attracted attention online, although each addressed their respective relationships and past experiences.

Nigerians react to her request for another chance

Blessing's apology has generated conversations about accountability, forgiveness and the way public figures use social media.

Some viewers have expressed sympathy over the death of her son and urged people to allow her space to grieve. Others have questioned whether an apology is enough to address the hurt caused by previous statements, arguing that lasting change must be demonstrated through consistent actions.

The different reactions reflect the complicated relationship between public accountability and personal hardship. While her grief has attracted sympathy, it has not erased the separate questions surrounding her past conduct and ongoing legal matter.

For Blessing, the immediate message is a request for forgiveness and an opportunity to rebuild. Whether the apology will lead to a lasting change in public perception will depend largely on what follows it.

Her video has placed her personal grief, public controversies and desire for a fresh start back in the spotlight.