Renowned Nigerian music video director ThankGod Smith Omori, popularly known as TG Omori, has shared a heartbreaking account of his ongoing battle with kidney disease, revealing that a transplant he underwent in 2024 failed and detailing the crushing financial cost of survival.
The Unsuccessful Transplant and Daily Struggle
In a recent interview, the filmmaker, celebrated for his innovative work with top Afrobeats stars, described kidney disease as a "terrible" condition he would never wish on anyone. Omori disclosed that the kidney transplant he received in August 2024 was not successful. This setback forced him into a relentless cycle of treatments, spending months moving in and out of hospitals as doctors worked to stabilize his health.
He explained that managing the illness is a daily financial commitment. Survival hinges on consistent treatment, medications, dialysis sessions, and pain management. Omori lamented how the disease relentlessly "swallows" money, stating that expenses routinely run into millions of Naira, a burden that makes it incredibly difficult for patients to cope.
"Money Becomes Paper": The Overwhelming Financial Toll
The director offered a profound perspective on wealth in the face of a life-threatening illness. "Money becomes paper," he stated, explaining that when fighting for your life, every available resource is directed solely towards staying alive. The value of money diminishes because it is continuously drained by essential, life-sustaining care. He emphasized that the pain can be so overwhelming that some patients lose their battle simply because they cannot endure it or afford the constant care required.
Despite the physical agony and financial strain, TG Omori expressed profound gratitude. He acknowledged that being alive today is a result of personal strength, mercy, and the unwavering support from people around him. This reflection on life and gratitude comes after a period where his brother donated a kidney for the unsuccessful transplant procedure.
Public Reaction and Shared Pain
The interview sparked significant reactions online, with many Nigerians expressing sympathy and sharing their own experiences. Social media users highlighted the devastating impact of kidney disease:
- @abigail_babs and @iamdjstupor_rednation prayed: "God abeg, when money comes, may our health not fail us! Amen!!"
- @_kellydebbie shared a personal loss: "Lost my dad 2 years ago to this..and I don’t wish for anyone to go through what my family went through."
- @muyiwa800, claiming to have worked in a dialysis hospital, called it a "slow death if no donor is found."
- @officiallyanonymus praised Omori's creative genius and sent prayers for his healing.
TG Omori's candid revelation has shed a stark light on the severe medical and economic challenges faced by individuals battling chronic kidney disease in Nigeria, moving beyond celebrity gossip to a national health discussion.
