President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of veteran Nollywood actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs.
DAILY POST reports that the deceased’s son announced his passing on Wednesday.
Reacting to the development in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Jacobs as one of Nigeria’s most distinguished actors and a towering figure whose career spanned theatre, television and film globally.
According to the President, Jacobs contributed to the development and professionalisation of Nigeria’s entertainment industry and inspired generations of actors and filmmakers through his talent, discipline and dedication to his craft.
He equally commended the Nollywood icon’s ability to bring depth, dignity, and authenticity to the characters he portrayed, saying this earned 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.
“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 actor died as the age of 84 years.