Nollywood star Tonto Dikeh has delivered a powerful and deeply personal testimony about her decades-long battle with addiction, revealing that she began smoking at just 13 years old and struggled with substance use, anger, and emotional turmoil for 27 years before finding what she calls spiritual freedom.
The confession came during a Sunday service at Streams of Joy International Church, where she spoke candidly about overcoming smoking, alcohol use, and other personal struggles.
Addressing the congregation during the New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declarations programme led by Pastor Jerry Eze, Dikeh shared how her addiction began in childhood, influenced by her father’s habits. “I smoked since I was 13,” she admitted, explaining that her early exposure evolved into struggles with alcohol, masturbation, and intense anger that impacted her relationships and daily life.
She acknowledged the difficulty of going public with her story, admitting she initially hesitated to protect her image. “The devil tried to tell me I was supposed to protect my image,” she said, but added, “The God that gave me the image is the same God that can take it away,” highlighting her faith as central to her healing.
Tonto credited her transformation to divine intervention, particularly during a Ghana Prayer Conference where she felt released from what she described as spiritual oppression. “I realised that the weak man who held me captive all my years… ran away,” she recounted, calling the experience life-changing.
The actress also spoke openly about the anger that once dominated her life, saying it “destroyed” her relationships and interactions. “I am 40 years old, and I can tell you I have never known peace until now,” she revealed. Reflecting on her journey, she urged parents to be mindful of the habits they model for their children and declared that she no longer craves cigarettes or alcohol: “My body does not ask for it. My body is repelling it. Today, it is broken.”
During the service, Pastor Jerry Eze prayed over Dikeh, declaring that “the body of sin is broken” and celebrating her as “a voice in her generation.” The actress also shared photos from the service on social media, calling herself “A living testimony of mercy.”
Tonto Dikeh’s candid revelation has sparked widespread conversation online, with fans praising her honesty and courage. Her story underscores the long and difficult journey of overcoming addiction and highlights the transformative power of faith and personal resilience.
