How I Battled Smoking, Masturbation Addictions Since I was 13 – Tonto Dikeh

Tonto Dikeh (Nollywood Actress)

Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh has spoken openly about turning her life around after years of smoking, heavy drinking, and emotional difficulties. She said the experience was a life-changing spiritual event.

The actress shared her story during a Sunday service at Streams of Joy International Church, where Pastor Jerry Eze, the church's founder, was leading the New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declarations (NSPPD) programme.

Dikeh explained that she started smoking when she was only 13 and later struggled with alcohol, masturbation, and a lot of deep-seated anger for many years. She credits God's help for setting her free from these habits.

“I smoked since I was 13. God healed me from masturbation, too. I have known myself to have sexual intercourse in the dream ever since I was a child,” she said while addressing the congregation.

She explained that stepping forward to share her testimony was not easy, admitting she almost allowed fear of public opinion to stop her.

“The devil tried to tell me that I was supposed to protect my image. But I told myself, what image? The God that gave me the image is the same God that can take it away,” Dikeh stated.

“I realised that the weak man who held me captive all my years in my dream ran away,” she said, describing the moment as a clear turning point.

Dikeh also spoke about battling intense anger, which she said affected her relationships and overall wellbeing.

“An anger that destroyed my life. Everybody had to feel it. But praying with NSPPD, God took all of those away and gave me peace,” she said. “I am 40 years old, and I can tell you I have never known peace until now. I am living in it.”

“I started smoking because my dad was a smoker. Something as little as that habit can inhabit the lives of your children,” she noted.

She added that she no longer experiences cravings for cigarettes or alcohol, describing the change as permanent.

“My body does not ask for it. My body is repelling it. Today, it is broken,” she said.

During the service, Pastor Jerry Eze prayed for Dikeh, declaring that “the body of sin is broken” and describing her as “a voice in her generation.”

In recent times, the actress has consistently spoken about her renewed Christian faith, emphasising that her current season is marked by peace, restoration and a deeper commitment to serving God.