Veteran Nigerian actor, Tom Njemanze, is reportedly battling prostate cancer and seeks financial aid for his full recovery.

This was confirmed by his junior colleague actor and producer Stanley Ajemba Chibueze, better known as Stanley Ontop.

"Hello guys, one of our Nollywood legends is sick and in need of urgent surgery….. Sir Tom Njamanze has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, and he needs your support to undergo surgery. Nothing is too small, fams; help our legend live again," he stated.

Stanley Ontop's fundraising appeal notably included vintage footage of Njemanze performing alongside both Nkem Owoh and Sam Loco Efe.

Stanley's emotional appeal has struck a chord across the Nollywood community and social media.

While many have pledged to contribute their widow's mite, others are calling on the Actors Guild of Nigeria to come to the actor's aid.

Content creator and stand-up comedian Aone De Comedian had earlier shared photos of the actor in a hospital bed, indicating that Njemanze had been sick, and a social group he belonged to had visited him.

The photos he shared also showed heartbreaking footage of Tom Njemanze requiring oxygen support while receiving treatment through his veins.

Tom Njemanze, born on December 9, 1939, represents a generation of actors who helped establish Nollywood's foundation during its formative decades.

Beyond his acting career, Njemanze was also known as a highlife musician, demonstrating the multi-talented nature that characterised many early Nigerian entertainment figures.

His filmography includes notable productions such as Tokunboh (1999), Igbotic Love (2014), Hitler (2007), Brain Box, Pounds and Dollars, Twin Brothers, and Magic Cap. These films span different eras of Nollywood's evolution, showcasing Njemanze's adaptability and enduring presence in the industry.

Perhaps most memorably, Njemanze established close working relationships with other Nollywood legends, including the late Sam Loco Efe, with whom he appeared in numerous productions.