Minister mourns Olu Jacobs, says ‘Nigeria has lost a lion’

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has mourned the death of veteran Nollywood actor and cultural icon, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, who died on Wednesday at the age of 84.

Musawa described the death of the celebrated actor as a monumental loss to Nigeria and the country’s creative industry, saying Jacobs’ contribution to the arts spanned more than five decades.

In a statement issued by her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Nneka Anibeze, in Abuja on Wednesday, the minister described Jacobs as “a national institution” and one of the pillars of Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

She said, “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.”

Musawa also noted Jacobs’ contribution to developing talents in the creative sector through the Lufodo Academy, which he established with his wife and fellow veteran actress, Joke Silva.

According to her, the academy had trained hundreds of actors, directors and filmmakers who have gone on to play leading roles in Nollywood.

“Through the Lufodo Academy, which has trained hundreds of actors, directors and filmmakers who are now leading Nollywood, and the countless lives he touched, his legacy will continue to live on stage, on screen and in the hearts of millions of Nigerians.

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“Nigeria has lost a Lion, but his light will never fade,” she stated.

Jacobs was one of the most prominent figures of Nigeria’s theatre, television and film industries, with a career that spanned several decades and included performances on stage and screen in Nigeria and abroad.

He was trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before establishing himself as a respected actor in British television and theatre productions and later becoming one of the defining figures of Nigeria’s burgeoning film industry.

His career in Nollywood included appearances in numerous acclaimed films and television productions, while his work in theatre and acting education helped shape subsequent generations of Nigerian performers.

Beyond acting, Jacobs and Silva co-founded the Lufodo Group, with interests including film production and performing arts education, as part of their efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s creative industry.

Jacobs’ contribution to the arts was also recognised by the Federal Government, which conferred on him the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic.

The minister, on behalf of the Federal Government and the creative community, extended condolences to Silva, their children and other members of the Jacobs family.

Musawa also expressed sympathy to Jacobs’ colleagues, friends and the millions of Nigerians who followed his work over the decades.