Dominic Nwuzoru, supervisor of late Nollywood comedian actor, John Okafor, a.ok.a Mr Ibu, has revealed that the late comic was much more celebrated in nations like Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Gambia, Gabon and Botswana when he was alive.
He additionally stated Mr Ibu used humour to advertise peace and unity throughout Africa, including that he at all times held the Nigerian flag exhibiting his love for his nation.
He said this in an interview with the Information Company of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.
Based on him, the late veteran comic was given a number of honours and recognitions by leaders and communities throughout Africa throughout his lifetime.
“I keep in mind vividly, how two warring tribes in Ghana got here collectively for the primary time due to John’s efficiency and he ended up reconciling them,” Nwuzoru stated.
“He was thereafter given a Chieftaincy title because the ‘Malangula I of Tamale Land’, which means the peacemaker, and I used to be named the ‘Ngulala’, which means the mouthpiece of the peacemaker.
“Once we went to Botswana, he held the Nigerian flag once we landed to indicate how proud and patriotic he was as a result of they had been listening to a number of damaging issues about Nigeria then.
“He was a person I’d say made Africans chuckle and was held in excessive esteem like a folks’s chief throughout Africa.”
He added, “Mr Ibu, as John was popularly identified, was not simply an actor, however Nollywood ambassador that used his expertise and humour to advertise peace, happiness and unity amongst Africans.
“I signed John in 2004, after which our relationship grew past that of enterprise to turn into that of friendship as now we have turn into so shut until his dying.
“The deal began with first two years, and I didn’t trouble him with the points of Nigerian motion pictures, so he may cope with anybody on Nigerian motion pictures.
“However for something regarding worldwide showbiz, I’ve to debate with the promoters on the essential entry necessities after which we might transfer.
“There was no airport, particularly in Africa, the place crowd of followers wouldn’t collect to welcome John, and that was how I realised his recognition exterior the shores of Nigeria.
“I can let you know that he was much more celebrated in nations like Ghana, South Africa ,Kenya, Tanzania, Gambia, Garbon, Botswana and he at all times held the Nigerian flag exhibiting his love for his nation,” he stated.
Based on Nwuzoru, the late thespian used his craft to challenge Nigeria in a optimistic mild to the world, particularly in nations which have heard damaging tales in regards to the nation.
“Then, John was one of many optimistic issues different nations wished to listen to about Nigeria and all people seemed ahead to fulfill him, together with presidents of countries,” he stated.
“For instance, even a two-year-old youngster in Ghana is aware of Mr Ibu, and one factor about him was his friendliness and originality, as every little thing he does is simply himself and doesn’t copy anybody.
“Foreigners fell in love with Nigeria by means of John and wished to go to the nation due to him, as we bought calls from even the Caribbean.”
Mr Ibu lately handed away in Lagos.
He was born on October 17, 1961 in Nkanu West Native Authorities of Enugu State.
He’s well-known for the ‘Mr. Ibu sequence’, which included Mr. Ibu (2004), Mr. Ibu 2 (2005), Mr. Ibu and His Son, Coffin Producers, Husband Suppliers, Worldwide Gamers, Mr. Ibu in London (2005).
