Ada Ameh: A soul marred by grief and depression

Veteran actress, Ada Ameh, died in the late hours of Sunday, July 17, 2022. It was sad news that shocked her colleagues and fans across the nation. She was a shining light who graced our screens and brought smiles on our faces with her impressive interpretation of movie scripts.

She was known for her role in The Johnsons, a popular television comedy series. Also, she was among the characters in Domitila, a 1996 Nollywood movie.

Grief

In October 2020, Ameh lost her only child, Aladi Godgift, to death. Previously, she had lost six of her siblings and her father. She has always been open about how she got pregnant at age 13 and had to spend her teenage years being a mother. Sadly, she lost her child after a failed surgery in Abuja.

In an interview with Punch in December 2021, she said, “This is one of the most challenging periods of my life. I have lost six of my siblings, my father and then, my daughter. I know what pain is about.

“There are moments I remember her (Aladi). One cannot forget about it but it will heal gradually. One has to yield to the process; it is a two way thing. The pain is indescribable and excruciating. My late daughter and I were like sisters. With time, one would feel a lot better. It takes God’s grace and one has to encourage oneself in the Lord.”

Depression

In June 2022, she posted a video on her Instagram page saying, “Everything is going to be fine. I have an issue right now, and it is taking my life. I will not die. We will get over it.

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“I was given a job but I did not do the job because I had mental issues. Will people understand when you say you have mental issues? They won’t. They are slamming me with a bill, suing me. It is okay.”

In an interview with TVC’s Your View, she spoke further about depression. She said, “I had depression, max depression. I have been depressed for some years and it worsened when I lost my daughter in 2020. We practically grew up together.”

Tributes

Colleagues and fans of the late thespian have mourned her. Actress Nancy Isime said, “My heart is so heavy. I don’t even know what to say! One of the people I look up to in the film industry. Rip Aunty Ada Ameh. I will miss you so much.”

Former Big Brother Naija housemate, Saskay wrote, “I met this woman once on set, and she was so sweet like she had known me before. All I could think of was the grief she was experiencing. This was because I had seen several videos where she spoke about her mental health. This is really sad. Rest well, Ada Ameh.”

Ameh lived, despite the challenges she encountered on earth. She made a mark and imparted lives in her own way. In the words of American freelance journalist and novelist, Chuck Palahniuk, “We (will) all die. The goal isn’t to live forever, the goal is to create something that will.”

Ameh will forever live in the hearts of those she touched. May her soul rest in peace.