Joke Silva, the renowned Nollywood actress, has recently shared her candid experiences regarding the challenges in her marriage with Olu Jacobs, who is currently contending with dementia.

During an emotional interview with Nancy Isime, a prominent media personality and actress, Silva delved into the impact the illness has had on their marriage, sharing her thoughts and experiences.

Silva expressed admiration for her husband, describing him as an exceptional father and a remarkable husband who always fulfilled his responsibilities diligently. Reflecting on their early years together, she highlighted the strong bond they shared, where Jacobs was not only her best friend but also her pillar of support in their marriage.

However, as his illness has progressed, their relationship has undergone significant transformations.

Speaking about her husband Olu Jacobs, Joke Silva shared, "It hasn't been easy... There came a point where I had to accept that everything happening is the reality, and it's as if the person I married, 80 percent of the time, is no longer there."

"But here's the thing, when he was present, he was an extraordinary father to his children and an amazing husband. He was practically my closest friend."

Despite the challenges posed by Jacobs' dementia, Silva's affection for him remains strong. She acknowledged that the love and connection they once shared may not be as prevalent anymore, but she emphasized her enduring love for him, stating, "The husband I knew may no longer be here for me, but this man who is present is still someone I deeply love."

With a marriage spanning 37 years and a total of 42 years of knowing each other, including five years of courtship, Silva acknowledged the initial challenges they encountered while navigating the early stages of their union.

Eventually, she embraced the truth of their circumstances and now perceives herself as a caregiver for her husband, akin to caring for a father figure, rather than being in a conventional husband-wife relationship.

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