***As Buhari Greets New Octogenarian
It was a galaxy of stars at the Glover memorial hall in Lagos on Sunday night when Nollywood celebrities, state officials and important guests turned out to celebrate Nollywood’s newest octogenarian, the celebrated actor Olu Bayewu Jacobs.
It didn’t matter that Sunday July 10th was the eve of his birthday. Many were willing to wait till midnight and cross over to Monday July 11th with the celebrant and his lovely wife, the super-talented Joke Silva.
And they did wait in large number to celebrate the man who has devoted more than 60 years of his life to the stage and screen.
All thanks to Joke Silva, who celebrated her 60th birthday last year. She was the reason why her hubby was hugely celebrated by all and sundry.
There were stage performances, tributes and goodwill messages and plenty to eat and drink in celebrating a true African icon whose image looms large in the arts landscape.
Important guests at the dinner included Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and his wife, former governor of Ogun State, Aremo Segun Osoba, star actors Richard Mofe-Damijo, Patience Ozokwor, Sola Sobowale and a host of others.
President Mohammadu Buhari, in a message signed by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, extolled Jacobs’ talent and dedication to the arts, adding that Nigeria is proud of his contributions to making the country proud.