LAGOS, Nigeria — Chijioke Temidayo Nwokafor, the rising Nollywood actor known professionally as Cjay Nwoks or CJay, has died. He passed away on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at a hospital in the Badore area of Lagos. Colleagues confirmed the news, and tributes quickly followed across the industry.
His death prompted an outpouring of grief from actors and fans who remembered him as a dedicated professional and warm presence on set. Among those mourning is actress and producer Nkechi Blessing Sunday, a close collaborator who publicly announced the loss and shared personal memories of their friendship.
Who Was Chijioke “Cjay” Nwokafor?
Chijioke Temidayo Nwokafor was a Nigerian actor, model, and entrepreneur from Awka in Anambra State. Based in Lagos, he entered professional acting around 2021 and steadily built a body of work in English-language and some Yoruba Nollywood productions. He was known for drama and romance roles and maintained a low public profile regarding his private life. In addition to acting, he operated a food business called Jaylish.
Career Highlights
Nwokafor appeared in more than 20 credited projects. Notable titles include Larry Cold, Doctor Lanre, Mum Overnight, Godly Escort, A Day To My Wedding, The Lies She Tell, What Time Left, Fond of You, and others. At the time of his death he was cast as the lead in Nkechi Blessing’s completed film Egusi Ogbono, scheduled for release the same day he died. The premiere was cancelled out of respect.
What Happened to Cjay Nwokafor?
Nkechi Blessing confirmed that Nwokafor died at a hospital in Badore, Lagos, on September 30, 2026. She stated she had spoken with him around 8 a.m. that morning and learned of his death only hours later. No official cause of death has been publicly disclosed by family or medical authorities. This report does not speculate beyond verified announcements. Further details may be added if released by authorized sources.
Tributes and Legacy
Nkechi Blessing shared an emotional video from the hospital and later a collage of shared moments, writing that they had plans together and expressing disbelief at the sudden loss. Other colleagues, including Ruth Kadiri, Charles Born, and Emeka Nwagbaraocha, expressed shock and remembered him as a “sweet soul.”
Nwokafor’s legacy rests in the consistent screen work he delivered as a rising talent and the personal connections he formed within Nollywood. Friends and collaborators emphasize that his life should be remembered for the roles he played and the relationships he built, not solely for the circumstances of his passing.
Funeral and memorial arrangements had not been publicly announced at the time of this report. Readers should refer to official statements from the family or authorized representatives for service details.