Society
“He Was A Giant Of The Nigerian Creative Industry” – Tinubu Mourns Olu Jacobs
saying his death was a major loss to Nigeria
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mourned the death of veteran Nollywood actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, who died on Tuesday at the age of 84.
Tinubu described Jacobs as “a giant of the Nigerian creative industry,” saying his death was a major loss to Nigeria, the African film industry and the global community of lovers of the performing arts.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Jacobs as one of Nigeria’s most distinguished actors whose career spanned theatre, television and film.
The veteran actor trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London and built a career in British television and international film before returning to Nigeria, where he became a major figure in the country’s film industry.
Tinubu said Jacobs contributed significantly to the development and professionalisation of Nigeria’s entertainment industry, inspiring generations of actors and filmmakers through his talent, discipline and dedication to his craft.
The President also acknowledged Jacobs’ ability to bring “depth, dignity, and authenticity” to the characters he portrayed, earning him admiration in Nigeria and beyond.
“He was a giant of the Nigerian creative industry. His passing is a great loss to Nigeria, the African film industry and the global community of lovers of the performing arts.
His remarkable body of work will continue to speak to generations yet unborn,” Tinubu said.
Jacobs received several major industry honours during his career and was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).
Tinubu also linked Jacobs’ career to the broader contribution of Nigeria’s creative practitioners to the country’s cultural identity, global image and economic development.
“The nation recognises the enormous contributions of Nigeria’s creative practitioners to the country’s cultural identity, global image and economic development. Olu Jacobs played a big role in creating this identity,” the President said.
The President extended his condolences to Jacobs’ wife, veteran actress Chief Joke Silva, their children, relatives, colleagues in the Nigerian film industry and the wider creative community.
He prayed for the repose of the late actor’s soul.
