Nollywood actress Lilian Esoro has announced the heartbreaking death of her father, Ferdinand Collins Esoro, just weeks after she lost a close friend.
The actress shared the sad news on Instagram on Sunday, revealing that she was still struggling to process the death of her friend when another devastating loss struck her family.
Lilian described her father as an integral part of her life and the person who led her to Christ.
She wrote:
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“A few weeks ago, just as I was gearing up to take a breather from the rude shock of the passing of my dear friend, my life took another unexpected turn.”
She went on to describe her father as her “only living parent” before his sudden death.
“A man who was an integral part of my life—the man who led me to Christ, my only living parent, My Dad—passed away suddenly.”
Lilian Esoro opens up about grief
The actress admitted that losing her father has left her dealing with a different and particularly painful kind of grief.
According to Lilian, she has tried to keep herself occupied with social activities, work and event planning in an effort to take her mind off the loss.
However, she acknowledged that keeping busy has not been enough to make the pain disappear.
“Since his passing, I have tried to bury myself in social activities, working and planning events to keep my mind and soul busy. But the truth is, nothing feels quite the same.”
She explained that her emotions have been unpredictable since her father’s death, with some days bringing moments of happiness while others are overwhelmed by sadness.
“Some days, I am genuinely happy. Other days, a wave of sadness hits me so suddenly and so deeply that I almost don’t know what to do with it or how to react.”
Despite the pain, Lilian said she continues to hold on to her faith.
“Through it all, I’ll say…. it is well with my soul. God is still God! With him there is no controversy.”
Lilian celebrated her father’s 80th birthday
The actress had publicly celebrated her father, Ferdinand Collins Esoro, when he turned 80 in September 2025.
At the time, Lilian described him as a “true leader” and “a lover of life” and “a lover of Christ.”
She also expressed gratitude for the influence he had on her life, particularly his role in shaping her Christian faith.
According to Lilian, her father taught her the Bible and how to pray and ultimately introduced her to Christianity.
His influence therefore extended beyond being her parent, as she regarded him as an important spiritual guide and role model.
The actress’s latest tribute shows how deeply connected she was to her father and how significant his presence was in her life.
Another painful loss for the actress
The death of Lilian’s father comes only weeks after the actress lost a close friend.
The two losses occurring within such a short period have left her dealing with an overwhelming period of grief.
Lilian’s decision to publicly discuss her experience has also given fans and followers a glimpse into the emotional difficulties she is facing.
She thanked her family and friends for standing by her during the difficult period and expressed appreciation for their love, prayers and encouragement.
“Thank you my amazing family and friends for your love, prayers and upliftment during this time.”
She concluded her message by thanking everyone who had supported her and praying for God’s blessings upon them.
Lilian previously lost her mother
Lilian’s latest loss is also particularly painful because she previously lost her mother in August 2021.
The actress announced her mother’s death on Instagram at the time, describing the loss as difficult to accept.
With the passing of her father, Lilian has now lost both of her parents.
For someone who described her father as her only living parent before his death, the latest loss represents a significant change in her family and personal life.
Lilian Esoro’s Nollywood career
Lilian Esoro is known for her roles in several Nollywood productions, including Clinic Matters. She has also continued to work as an actress and businesswoman, remaining active in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. For more updates on Nollywood stars and the latest entertainment stories, readers can also follow The
Despite the pain of losing both parents, Lilian continues to hold on to the faith and values her father instilled in her. His influence on her spiritual journey remains an important part of the legacy he leaves behind.
Her father’s death has prompted an outpouring of sympathy from fans, friends and colleagues, many of whom have offered prayers and words of comfort.
As friends, family members and fans continue to send messages of condolence, the actress is taking time to process the devastating loss.
The actress’s tribute is a reminder of the lasting impact parents can have on their children’s lives, even after they are gone.
For Lilian, her father’s legacy will remain closely connected to her faith, her memories of him and the lessons he taught her throughout her life.
May his soul rest in peace.
