Actors and practitioners of the motion picture industry gathered at the Ojez Entertainment Centre, Surulere, Lagos, Asaba and Abuja to simultaneously honour the memories of three industry legends, John Ikechukwu Okafor aka Mr. Ibu, Amaechi Muonagor, and Zulu Adigwe.
The night of tributes, organised by the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), had several attendees with the chapter chairman, Emeka Rising Ibeh, making sure everything went smoothly. Some of the attendees include Hon. Desmond Elliot, Victor Osuagwu, Dadi Monso, Nora Igbokwe, Emeka Duru, Songito, Shadows, MC Senator, Ifeanyi Ezekwe, Sunny McDon, Mojisola Oyetayo, Francis Onwochei, Julius Agwu, among many others.
The evening started with a procession from Marsha roundabout to the stadium and later the candlelight procession.
With the wife and children of John Okafor in attendance, the occasion kicked-off with the praise and worship led by Arinze Okonkwo while Apostle Chinedu Nnalue, who gave the exhortation also led prayer for the families of the departed thespians.
In his speech, AGN president, Dr. Ejezie Emeka Rollas admonished the gathering to live an impactful life as the departed trio did.
Represented by the Vice President, South West, Bukola Fagbuyi, Rollas said: “The late John Okafor, Amaechi Muonagor and Zulu Adigwe lived life that exemplified brilliance; a life that inspired emulation, a life that burned so that others’ paths were lit and made impact on the society through their profession. Today we are here to honour them, not only by profoundly feeling and expressing our loss, but also to remember their amazing personalities as they all played a unique and special role in all our lives and the acting profession. They generously gave their knowledge, expertise and skills to make Nollywood what it is today. Our hearts and prayers are with their families at this most difficult time. They indeed left their footprints on the sands of time and posterity will definitely remember them.”
Secretary of Board of Trustees AGN, Sunny Mcdon recalled how his relationship with Muonagor, who worked with the Nigerian News Agency, began in the industry as well as how Mr. Ibu approached him to ask how to join the industry.
For Francis Onwochei, he advocated for impactful life while alive.
Julius Agwu urged people to make their lives memorable.
Ejike Methuselah, Andy Chukwu, Blessing Asigbi, Emma Isikaku, Ifeoma Okeke, Mojisola Oyetayo, among others also spoke eloquently about the dead actors
Olaitan Ibrahim