Nigeria's Stars Honor Olu Jacobs at Lagos Tribute

The lights of Nigerian cinema came together Wednesday night to honor a man who made them all shine brighter.

Dozens of Nollywood's biggest names filled Glover Memorial Hall in Lagos for a Night of Tributes celebrating Olu Jacobs, the legendary actor who passed away in September at age 84. Richard Mofe-Damijo, Funke Akindele, Sola Sobowale, and many others joined Jacobs' widow, actress Joke Silva, and their two sons for an evening of memories, music, and candlelight.

The tributes revealed a man who was as generous offstage as he was commanding on it. Actress Hilda Dokubo recalled how Jacobs calmed her nerves during their first scene together, while Kate Henshaw remembered his constant preparedness and kindness on set.

Sola Sobowale shared how Jacobs boosted her early career by publicly declaring, "Have you seen Sola Sobowale? She is a great actor." That simple encouragement from a master helped launch her journey to stardom.

Richard Mofe-Damijo remembered career-changing advice Jacobs once gave him. "There are no small actors, and there are no small lines," Jacobs told him. "But if you are not mindful of the small lines, you will become a small actor."

Even Jacobs' son Soji spoke about a side audiences never saw. Despite his father's enormous fame, Soji said Jacobs fiercely protected family time and remained "magnetic and genuine" as a dad first.

The Ripple Effect

Jacobs' influence touched every corner of Nigerian entertainment over five decades. After training at London's prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, he returned home to build an industry that barely existed.

Veteran actor Norbert Young described working with Jacobs on the television series The Third Eye as transformative. "He loved to talk back then, and I loved to listen," Young said, crediting those conversations with shaping his entire approach to acting.

Playwright Ahmed Yerima shared a lighter memory of Jacobs' emotional power onstage. During one scene, Jacobs performed with such intensity that Yerima himself forgot his own lines.

The evening featured performances, Bible readings, and a candlelight procession for the man nicknamed the "Lion of Lufodo." Guests wore shades of blue at the family's request, turning the hall into a sea of color and celebration.

Arts Minister Hannatu Musawa attended alongside entertainment icons including Jide Kosoko, Adebayo Salami, Desmond Elliot, and many others. Singer Yinka Davies performed a soulful tribute as the community reflected on decades of memories.

A funeral service is scheduled for Friday at This Present House in Lekki, followed by a private burial, giving Nigeria one more chance to say goodbye to a giant who made them all believe in their craft.