The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has described deceased legendary actor, Olu Jacobs, as a national institution.
She mourned the veteran, describing his death as a monumental loss to Nigeria and the creative industry.
The minister expressed sadness over the death of the celebrated thespian in a statement issued by her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Nneka Ikem Anibeze, on Wednesday.
Musawa described the late veteran as “not just an actor,” but “a national institution”, and one of the important pillars of Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
“Olu Jacobs was not just an actor, he was a national institution.
“He was one of the most important pillars of Nigeria’s entertainment industry and one of Africa’s greatest actors.
“For over five decades, his voice, his presence and his craft gave life to our stories and gave dignity to our industry,” she said.
The minister also acknowledged Jacobs’ contribution to the development of Nigeria’s creative industry through the Lufodo Academy, which he established with his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva.
According to her, the academy has trained hundreds of actors, directors and filmmakers who are contributing to Nollywood.
“Through the Lufodo Academy, which has trained hundreds of actors, directors and filmmakers, and the countless lives he touched, his legacy will continue to live on stage, on screen and in the hearts of millions of Nigerians.
“Nigeria has lost a Lion, but his light will never fade,” Musawa said.
According to Musawa, Jacob’s contributions extended beyond his performances on stage and screen, adding that he left a lasting influence on generations of practitioners in the creative sector.
The minister, on behalf of the Federal Government and the creative community, condoled with Silva, the children and other members of the Jacob’s family.
The legendary actor died at 84.
His death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, in a post released on his Instagram page on Wednesday.
“It is with gratitude to God for a life well lived and fought, that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather and uncle. The Lion of Lufodo.
“We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our family’s privacy at this time,” he wrote.
Jacobs, born on July 11, 1942, had a career spanning theatre, television and film, and was one of Nigeria’s most prominent veteran actors.
He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London and featured in several British television productions before returning to Nigeria, where he became a major figure in Nollywood.
He starred in more than 100 films and received several honours during his career, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007.
In 2011, Jacobs was conferred with the Nigerian national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) for his significant contributions to the Nigerian film industry and arts.
