President Bola Tinubu, late Nollywood legend, Olu Jacob and former VP Atiku Abubakar
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have paid glowing tributes to veteran Nollywood actor Olu Jacobs, describing him as a national treasure whose remarkable contributions to the Nigerian and African film industries will continue to inspire generations.
The two leaders, in separate statements issued on Wednesday, expressed deep sadness over the death of the celebrated actor, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 84 after a career spanning several decades in theatre, television and film.
President Tinubu, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described Olu Jacobs as one of Nigeria’s most distinguished actors and a towering figure in the country’s creative industry.
The President recalled that the late actor received professional training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA) in London before launching a successful acting career in British television and international films. He later returned to Nigeria, where he became one of the pioneers who transformed the country’s movie industry into what is now globally recognised as Nollywood.
Tinubu noted that Jacobs earned numerous industry honours and awards during his illustrious career and was also honoured by the Federal Government with the national award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in recognition of his immense contributions to the arts.
According to the President, the late actor’s discipline, professionalism and dedication to his craft inspired generations of actors, filmmakers and other creative professionals.
He also praised Jacobs’ unique ability to bring depth, dignity and authenticity to every role he played, saying his outstanding performances earned him admiration not only in Nigeria but across Africa and beyond.
President Tinubu said the actor’s death was a huge loss to the country, the African entertainment industry and lovers of performing arts around the world.
“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 President further stressed the importance of the creative industry to Nigeria’s identity and economy.
“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.”
Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to the late actor’s wife, veteran actress Chief Joke Silva, their children, relatives, friends, colleagues in the Nigerian film industry and the entire creative community.
He also prayed for the peaceful repose of the actor’s soul.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also mourned the death of the iconic actor, saying Nigeria had lost far more than an accomplished entertainer.
In an emotional tribute released on Wednesday, Atiku described Olu Jacobs as an institution, a cultural icon and one of the country’s finest ambassadors whose work projected Nigeria’s creative excellence to the world.
“I am profoundly saddened by the passing of Olu Jacobs at the age of 84. Nigeria has lost far more than a great actor; we have lost an institution, a cultural icon and one of the finest ambassadors of our creative spirit.”
The former Vice President said Jacobs was a familiar and respected figure in many Nigerian homes, noting that his commanding voice, exceptional talent and memorable performances made him part of the country’s collective memory.
According to Atiku, long before Nollywood emerged as a global force, Olu Jacobs was already making Nigeria proud on the international stage and helping to lay the foundation for the country’s thriving film industry.
He said the veteran actor gave life to Nigerian stories, promoted the country’s culture and inspired countless young actors who followed in his footsteps.
Atiku noted that although the legendary actor had taken his final bow, his legacy would continue to live through the memorable characters he portrayed and the standards of excellence he established.
“The curtain may have fallen on an extraordinary life, but the characters he gave us, the standards he set and the generations he inspired will continue to speak for him.”
He expressed sympathy to the actor’s wife, Joke Silva, their children, the entire Jacobs family, members of the Nollywood industry, the African creative community and millions of admirers around the world.
Atiku further stated: “Olu Jacobs gave Nigeria his talent, his voice and a lifetime of excellence. Nigeria will remember him with pride, affection and profound gratitude.”
He prayed that God would grant the late actor eternal rest and give his family the strength to bear the painful loss.
Olu Jacobs was widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest actors. His outstanding performances in theatre, television and film earned him widespread recognition both locally and internationally. Throughout his distinguished career, he mentored many young actors and played a key role in shaping the growth and global success of Nigeria’s film industry. His death has triggered an outpouring of tributes from political leaders, colleagues, fans and admirers across Nigeria and beyond.
