Author: Hot Source

President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of veteran Nollywood actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs.

DAILY POST reports that the deceased’s son announced his passing on Wednesday.

Reacting to the development in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Jacobs as one of Nigeria’s most distinguished actors and a towering figure whose career spanned theatre, television and film globally.

According to the President, Jacobs contributed to the development and professionalisation of Nigeria’s entertainment industry and inspired generations of actors and filmmakers through his talent, discipline and dedication to his craft.

He equally commended the Nollywood icon’s ability to bring depth, dignity, and authenticity to the characters he portrayed, saying this earned him admiration in Nigeria and beyond.

“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.

The actor died as the age of 84 years.

‘Creative industry giant’ – Tinubu mourns Olu Jacobs

Media personality and content creator, Judas the Bead Maker, has lamented the criticism and constant scrutiny faced by people who underwent Brazilian Butt Lift, BBL, procedures in recent years.

Judas, who has openly shared aspects of her own BBL experience online, said those who had the procedure in 2024, 2025 and 2026 are now constantly forced to explain their decision.

She stated this while speaking about the changing perception of cosmetic surgery and BBL procedures.

According to her: “Nobody has suffered as much as those of us who got BBL in 2024, 2025 and 2026. We’re constantly having to explain ourselves because there’s no benefit to BBL anymore.”

Judas has previously spoken publicly about her recovery following her BBL and other cosmetic procedures, sharing some of the challenges she experienced during the process.

‘BBL has no benefits anymore’ – Content creator, Judas

Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to Mexico, Reno Omokri, has described the late veteran actor, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, as a national icon whose pioneering career on the international stage inspired generations of Nigerian actors.

Omokri made the remarks in a statement mourning Jacobs, following the announcement of the actor’s death at the age of 84.

He said Jacobs played a significant role in laying the foundation for the contemporary African film industry, breaking international barriers long before Nollywood became a global phenomenon.

According to Omokri, Jacobs brought pride to Nigeria through his performances in British television productions and international films.

“Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, better known as Olu Jacobs, was a National Icon and a source of pride for Nigeria, whose pioneering role as an international thespian inspired many of our countrymen and women and drew many of today’s stars into television and movie acting,” Omokri said.

Recalling his childhood memories, the ambassador-designate said Nigerians watched Jacobs feature in British television shows and international movies.

He also noted that the late actor received professional training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.

“As children, we watched in awe as one of us starred in multiple British sitcoms and several global blockbuster movies,” he said, citing Jacobs’ appearance in the British television series, The Professionals.

Omokri described Jacobs as one of the foundational figures of Nigeria’s modern film industry, placing him alongside his mentor, the late Chief Hubert Ogunde.

“Along with his mentor, the late great Chief Hubert Ogunde, he was the real Grand Old Man of Nollywood, having become a global star as far back as the seventies and early eighties,” he said.

Omokri further attributed the fact that some people have claimed the title of Nollywood pioneer to Jacobs’ humility, but said the veteran actor’s body of work spoke for itself.

“Because of the modesty of Ogunde and Jacobs, and especially Mr Jacobs, who starred in hundreds of Nollywood movies, less deserving individuals have made pretences to their title of Nollywood Pioneers, but history makes their claims hollow,” he said.

Mourning the veteran actor, Omokri extended his condolences to Jacobs’ family, particularly his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, and their children.

“We pray that God Almighty grant the family he left behind succour, especially Auntie Joke Silva, his wife and fellow actor, and their children,” he said.

Olu Jacobs was a national icon — Reno Omokri

Nollywood veteran actress, Patience Ozokwo has backed Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying Nigeria has been blessed with abundant resources but has failed to make the most of them.

Ozokwo, popularly known as Mama G, spoke at a gathering organised under the banner “Celebrities for Peter Obi,” where she explained her concerns about the state of the country and why she believes Nigerians need a change.

“I see this country as a spoiled child,” she said.

“There is nothing God did not provide for us. Other nations of the world, if they have one quarter of what God has given to us, they will be better than what they are today,” she added.

The actress also criticised the concentration of wealth among a section of Nigerians, saying some people had accumulated enough for their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren while many others continue to struggle.

“Some people in this country have laid up for themselves for their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren,” she said.

Ozokwo also urged celebrities at the gathering to recognise the influence they have through their public image and integrity.

“Celebrities here, what we have, we have our faces. We have our integrity,” she said.

“Nigeria is a spoiled child with too many resources” — Patience Ozokwo backs Peter Obi