President Bola Tinubu has joined Nigerians in their grief over Olu Jacobs, a veteran Nollywood actor and film executive who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 84
Olusoji Jacobs, Jacobs’ son, announced this on Instagram.
In a statement issued 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.”
Tinubu said Jacobs helped shape and professionalise Nigeria’s entertainment industry and inspired generations of actors and filmmakers through his craft. The president praised the actor’s screen presence.
“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,” Tinubu said.
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He noted that Jacobs brought “depth, dignity, and authenticity” to every role, a quality that earned him admiration both at home and abroad.
According to the statement, Jacobs trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London and built a career in British television and international films before returning to Nigeria, where he became a central figure in Nollywood.
He received several industry awards and was conferred the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic.
President Tinubu extended his sympathies to the Jacobs family, particularly his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, their children, relatives, and colleagues across the film industry and wider creative sector.
He prayed for the repose of Jacobs’ soul.
Jacobs is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.
