President Bola Tinubu has described the late veteran Nollywood actor, Olu Jacobs, as a major contributor to Nigeria’s cultural identity and global image.

Jacobs, a celebrated actor and film executive, died at the age of 84 on Wednesday.

Tinubu, in a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the late actor’s career spanning theatre, television and film had made a lasting impact on Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

The president said Jacobs, who trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London, built a career in British television and international film before returning to Nigeria, where he became a major force in the country’s film industry.

According to Tinubu, Jacobs’ exceptional talent, discipline and dedication inspired generations of actors and filmmakers and contributed to the professionalisation of Nigeria’s entertainment industry. He also noted that the late actor’s ability to bring depth, dignity and authenticity to his roles earned him admiration in Nigeria and beyond.

Tinubu said Jacobs was a “giant of the Nigerian creative industry,” adding that his death was a loss to Nigeria, the African film industry and lovers of the performing arts globally.

“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.

Jacobs received several major industry honours and awards for his pioneering roles and was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).

Tinubu extended his condolences to the Jacobs family, particularly his wife, veteran actress Chief Joke Silva, their children, relatives, colleagues in the Nigerian film industry and the wider creative community. He also prayed for the repose of the late actor’s soul.

President Bola Tinubu has described the late veteran Nollywood actor, Olu Jacobs, as a major contributor to Nigeria’s cultural identity and global image.

Jacobs, a celebrated actor and film executive, died at the age of 84 on Wednesday.

Tinubu, in a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the late actor’s career spanning theatre, television and film had made a lasting impact on Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

The president said Jacobs, who trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London, built a career in British television and international film before returning to Nigeria, where he became a major force in the country’s film industry.

According to Tinubu, Jacobs’ exceptional talent, discipline and dedication inspired generations of actors and filmmakers and contributed to the professionalisation of Nigeria’s entertainment industry. He also noted that the late actor’s ability to bring depth, dignity and authenticity to his roles earned him admiration in Nigeria and beyond.

Tinubu said Jacobs was a “giant of the Nigerian creative industry,” adding that his death was a loss to Nigeria, the African film industry and lovers of the performing arts globally.

“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.

Jacobs received several major industry honours and awards for his pioneering roles and was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).

Tinubu extended his condolences to the Jacobs family, particularly his wife, veteran actress Chief Joke Silva, their children, relatives, colleagues in the Nigerian film industry and the wider creative community. He also prayed for the repose of the late actor’s soul.