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

Minister Hannatu Musawa mourned the passing of veteran Nollywood actor and cultural icon Olu Jacobs, describing his death as a "monumental loss" to Nigeria and the nation's creative sector. Jacobs, who passed away at 84, had a career spanning over five decades, during which he contributed significantly to the arts. Musawa, in a statement, characterized Jacobs as "a national institution" and one of the pillars of Nigeria's entertainment industry, highlighting his invaluable impact on the nation's stories and the industry's dignity.

Jacobs' legacy will endure through the Lufodo Academy, which he co-founded with his wife, Joke Silva, and trained hundreds of actors, directors, and filmmakers who have since made significant contributions to Nollywood. The minister emphasized that the academy's graduates continue to play leading roles in the industry, and Jacobs' influence remains felt on stage, screen, and in the hearts of millions of Nigerians.

Notably, Jacobs was one of Nigeria's most prominent figures in theatre, television, and film, with a career that included performances both in Nigeria and abroad. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before establishing himself in British television and theatre productions and becoming a defining figure in Nigeria's film industry.

Jacobs' contributions to the arts were recognized by the Federal Government, which bestowed upon him the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic. The minister, speaking on behalf of the Federal Government and the creative community, conveyed condolences to Jacobs' family, wife Silva, and other loved ones.