Veteran Nollywood actor Chinedu Ikedieze, popularly known as Aki, has opened up about his struggles with growth retardation and suicidal thoughts.

In an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, Ikedieze said he was diagnosed with growth retardation when he was nine years old.

“This news came as a shock to me and my family, and I began to feel like a failure”. He sadly revealed.

According to the diminutive actor, he was bullied by his friends, classmates, and even his own family members because of his condition.

He stressed that this bullying made him feel isolated and hopeless, and he even considered taking his own life.

“My mother was my rock during this difficult time. She was the one who encouraged me to keep going, and she helped me to see that my condition did not define me.” He revealed

The famous Nigerian actor said he is grateful to his mother for her support for being a successful actor and comedian.

He said he hopes his story will inspire others who are struggling with growth retardation or other challenges.