The Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) mourned veteran actor, Oludotun Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, whose death occurred in the early hours of today at the age of 84.
Dr Ali Nuhu, Managing Director/Chief Executive of NFC, mourned the movie icon in a statement issued by NFC’s Director of Public Affairs, Mr Brian Etuk, on Wednesday in Abuja.
Nuhu described the passing of Jacobs as deeply painful, indelible, and a great loss to Nigeria’s film industry.
He said his contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria’s film industry were indeed impactful, built over several decades of domestic and offshore practice.
“We recall with nostalgia his unparalleled positive impact and influence on the family, peers, friends, as well as the domestic and diaspora television and film community.”
“By all estimation, he was a man of exceptional courage, truth, integrity, a filmmaker, storyteller, mentor and patriot with distinction,” he said.
He said that late Jacobs poured his entire life into driving positive narratives and conversations about scaling Nigeria’s cinema.
According to him, with grit and grace, Jacobs starred in several television soaps, feature films, and documentaries, driven by a strong conviction that film has the power to do more than just entertain.
“We will miss his iconic and distinctive voice and screen appearances, but his memories will continually be ingrained in our hearts.
He stressed that beyond the deep and irreparable loss that his death leaves for his family, friends, and colleagues, the entire film industry has lost a visionary leader.
“His death is a deep and irreparable loss for his family, friends, and the many others who benefited from his wealth of filmmaking experience.
“It will be incongruent not to recognise and revere him, as one of Nigeria’s early iconic film stakeholders.
“He is Nollywood’s finest and prolific actor, earning several recognitions and awards to include Member of the Federal Republic (MFR),” he said.
On behalf of Management and Staff of NFC, Nuhu extends his deepest appreciation to Late Jacobs for his unreserved contributions to building a film industry that is inclusive, professional, and proudly Nigerian.
He prayed that Almighty God would strengthen his family as they grieve his passing and grant him a peaceful rest