Moved by the outpouring of love for Olu Jacob from people from all over and from all walks of life, President Muhammadu Buhari has joined Nollywood and professional actors, home and abroad in celebrating stage and screen icon, Olu Jacobs, on his 80th birthday on July 11.
The president, in a congratulatory message by his spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja, felicitated the Jacobs’ family, including the wife, also a renowned thespian, Joke Silva, and their friends on the auspicious occasion.
According to him, the occasion calls for thanksgiving for God’s care, guidance and protection.
Buhari affirmed the influence of the veteran actor in the film industry, setting a standard of professionalism that had attracted global recognition and awards.
He said such award included the Lifetime Achievement Awards conferred on him in 2016 by African Movie Academy Awards.
The president noted Jacobs’ ingenious ability to interpret roles, simplified complex issues and bringing messages to the understanding of both young and old, levelling cultural, ethnic and religious barriers to become a household name all over the country and beyond.
Buhari also believed Jacobs’ natural tendency to counsel, inspire and instruct easily earned him the roles, while appreciating his foresight in winning many into the profession and guiding them to stardom.
He prayed that the Almighty God would grant him better health, longer life and steadfastness in service to the arts, God, and humanity.
Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, simply well-known as Olu Jabobs, is one of Nigeria’s finest gifts.
The world has been his stage for many years and he played without fear. A seasoned actor who has starred in numerous Nigerian and British drama series and movies, Olu Jacobs has performed with uncommon grace while gracing our screens. But age is here and has slowed the veteran.
However, neither age nor frailty can diminish his status in Nigeria’s film and theater industry. By any conceivable parameters, Olu Jacobs is a successful professional who has paid his dues in the industry and is thus mostly respected by all. With over five decades of his life in bringing joy and entertainment to many homes in Nigeria and beyond.
The deluge of love since the news of his forthcoming 80th birthday made the rounds has been overwhelming. Olu Jacobs is one of those who made good use of their skills to pursue a worthy career, benefiting society and the country. Jacobs’ acting talent showed up early. His career had a highly focused and fruitful trajectory: he made his mark in innovation and mentoring, both in theatre arts and in Nigeria’s movie industry.
In secondary school, he joined debating and drama societies, trying out on stage and building his craft. This interest was later confirmed after he discovered Chief Hubert Ogunde, the Nigerian actor, playwright, theatre manager and musician who founded the first contemporary professional theatrical company in Nigeria. Jacobs attended one of Ogunde’s annual concert parties in Kano and became convinced of his path.
Like the best of his contemporaries – at a time when Nigerian universities could not offer many options – he pursued his higher education abroad. In 1964, Jacobs travelled to Britain to study. He took up a spot at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London, studying acting. Jacob also worked with various repertoire theatres in Britain and Ireland and starred in several British television series and international movies.
He returned home in 1980, just like many other Nigerians looking to develop their home societies, to enrich the federation and encourage young talents to find local success. Cinema wasn’t just work for Jacobs, it was life itself. In 1989 he married Joke Silva, another veteran actor and a graduate of the University of Lagos and the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London.
They have both enjoyed being together as a couple many years down the line despite their stardom and individual roles. That togetherness has taken them far as best friends and life partners for over 35 years. A multi-award winning actor and producer, scriptwriter, broadcaster, businessman and entrepreneur, Olu Jacobs has been hailed by many as one of the greatest and most widely respected African actors of his generation.
He has also received awards both within and outside the country for his professional achievements. He is also a national honour recipient. He was conferred with the National Honour of the Member of the Federal Republic, MFR, by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011. Recently, he was also conferred with a Lifetime Achievement Award by Africa International Film Festival, AFRIFF, as did African Movie Academy Awards, AMAA, in 2016.
He was honoured with the Industry Merit Award for outstanding achievements in acting at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. His legion of viewers and well-wishers from around the globe wish this father-figure, actor and cultural icon many more years.
