What Tonto Dikeh Revealed About Addiction, Healing, and Starting Smoking at 13
Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh has spoken openly about long years of personal struggles, including smoking, alcohol use, anger, and private battles she said began in childhood. She shared the account during a church service, describing what she called a turning point in her life.
What She Shared
Dikeh gave her testimony at Streams of Joy International Church during the New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declarations (NSPPD) service, led by the church’s founder, Jerry Eze.
In front of the congregation, she said she started smoking at the age of 13 and struggled for decades with habits and emotional issues she could not overcome on her own.
According to her, these struggles only ended after what she described as spiritual intervention.
Why Her Age Disclosure Matters
By saying she began smoking at 13, Dikeh highlighted how early exposure can shape long-term behavior. She linked her habit to growing up around adults who smoked, warning parents about how small actions can affect children.
She said the habit lasted about 27 years before she finally experienced freedom from it.
Speaking About Private Struggles Publicly
Dikeh also spoke about deeply personal issues she said followed her from childhood into adulthood. She explained that sharing such details publicly was difficult but necessary.
She said she initially feared damaging her public image but decided that honesty mattered more than appearances.
Her message centered on accountability, not attention.
The Turning Point She Described
The actress said her perspective changed after attending a prayer conference in Ghana and participating consistently in NSPPD prayers.
She described a moment she believed marked the end of long-standing spiritual oppression, saying she experienced peace for the first time in her life.
At 40, she said this peace was unfamiliar but transformative.
Anger and Emotional Healing
Beyond substance use, Dikeh spoke about what she described as uncontrollable anger that affected her relationships and daily life.
She said the anger had caused harm to people around her and left her emotionally exhausted. According to her testimony, sustained prayer helped bring emotional calm and stability.
She described the change as lasting, not temporary.
Life After Addiction
Dikeh said she no longer experiences cravings for cigarettes or alcohol. She explained that the urges disappeared rather than being suppressed.
During the service, Pastor Jerry Eze prayed for her, declaring that her struggles had ended and describing her as a voice meant to inspire others.
Why This Story Resonates
Celebrity confessions often attract attention, but this one stands out because of its vulnerability. Dikeh did not frame her story as success or fame-driven, but as a cautionary and reflective experience.
Her testimony has sparked conversations about early exposure, addiction, emotional health, and the pressure public figures face to appear flawless.
The Bigger Message
Beyond religion, the core message is personal responsibility and the possibility of change. Dikeh used her platform to warn parents, encourage honesty, and show that long-standing habits can be challenged.
For many listeners, the story is less about celebrity and more about the cost of silence.