Popular Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh has publicly shared what she described as a personal transformation after years of addiction and emotional struggles.
Dikeh gave the testimony during a Sunday service at Streams of Joy International Church in Abuja. The account was also broadcast during the New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declarations livestream on Monday, led by Pastor Jerry Eze.
The actress told the congregation she began smoking at age 13 and later struggled with alcohol use and other personal challenges. She said the habits persisted for decades before what she described as a turning point through faith.
“I smoked since I was 13,” Dikeh said, adding that her struggles ended only after seeking spiritual intervention.
She explained that her decision to speak publicly was driven by gratitude rather than publicity. She said she briefly considered staying silent to protect her public image.
“The God who gave me the image can take it away,” she told worshippers.
Dikeh said a major shift followed her attendance at the Ghana Prayer Conference. She described the experience as the end of years of emotional and spiritual turmoil.
She also spoke about long-standing anger issues, which she said affected her relationships and personal life.
“That anger destroyed my life,” she said, adding that sustained prayer brought calm and emotional stability.
Dikeh said the peace she now feels is unfamiliar and deeply personal.
“I am 40 years old, and I have never known peace like this,” she said.
The actress disclosed that her smoking habit lasted nearly three decades. She traced its origins to early exposure at home and warned parents about the long-term impact of such habits on children.
“Something small can affect your children for life,” she said.
She added that she no longer experiences cravings for cigarettes or alcohol.
“My body is rejecting it,” she said. “It is broken.”
During the service, Pastor Eze prayed for the actress, declaring her restored and called to inspire others.
Dikeh later shared photos from the service on Instagram, describing herself as “a living testimony of mercy.”
