Tonto Dikeh Opens Up on 27-Year Smoking Habit, Testifies to Spiritual Renewal

Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh, has revealed that she smoked cigarettes for about 27 years, starting from the age of 13, before experiencing what she described as a spiritual transformation that ended the habit.

The actress shared the revelation during a testimony at a Sunday service of Streams of Joy International Church, led by Pastor Jerry Eze, according to a report by The Punch.

Speaking before the congregation during the church’s New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declarations service, Dikeh said her struggle extended beyond smoking to alcohol addiction, masturbation, prolonged anger and recurring spiritual afflictions, which she said only ended through divine intervention.

She told worshippers that she almost declined the opportunity to testify publicly because of concerns about her image but later decided that acknowledging her past was part of her healing and gratitude.

According to her, a major turning point came after attending the Ghana Prayer Conference, where she said she noticed a significant change in recurring spiritual experiences that had troubled her since childhood.

Dikeh also spoke about what she described as deep-seated anger issues, which she said previously affected her relationships and personal life. She noted that through consistent prayers, she experienced peace for the first time in her life.

Now 40, the actress said she had never truly known peace until recently and described her current state as one of calm and emotional stability.

She attributed her early exposure to smoking to her upbringing, explaining that her father was a smoker, and cautioned parents to be mindful of habits children may unconsciously adopt.

Dikeh added that after praying for divine help, she no longer experiences cravings for cigarettes or alcohol, describing the urge as completely gone.

Pastor Jerry Eze later prayed for the actress, declaring her free from what he described as spiritual bondage and describing her as a voice for her generation.

The actress also shared photos from the church service on her Instagram page, describing herself as “a living testimony of mercy.”

Dikeh has in recent months spoken more openly about her Christian faith, often describing her journey as one of restoration, peace and renewed purpose.