By AMARACHI CHUKWUMA
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has joined other Nigerians in
mourning veteran Nollywood actor, Justus Esiri whom he described as an
epitome of commitment, excellence and creativity. President Jonathan
reiterated his belief that Nollywood actors had carved a positive image
for Nigeria in the eyes of the international community, with the late
Esiri, a Member of the Order of the Niger (MON), having contributed in
no small measure to the creation and sustenance of that image.
President Jonathan believed that the Nigerian movie industry and the
country as a whole would miss the popular actor, who came to national
limelight with his acclaimed performance in the popular television
series, “Village Headmaster,” and other movies. The president extended
sincere commiserations to the Esiri family, the government and people of
Delta State and all fans of the revered actor. President Jonathan also
condoled with the Nollywood Family on the passage of a notable member,
mentor, pioneer and inspiring actor, and enjoined the younger members to
keep Justus Esiri’s legacy alive by promoting higher standards in their
movies. He prayed God Almighty would grant the soul of the departed
actor, peaceful repose.
Also mourning Eziri, Mr. Medunoye Folorunso, a family friend said
Justus Eziri was an icon and a friend he would never forget. He prayed
God to grant the family of the departed soul the fortitude to bear the
irreparable loss. While Chief Lucky Emone, Esiri’s kinsman said Eziri
was an enigma and a worthy ambassador to the entertainment industry, his
state and Nigeria as a whole. His word: “Umuaghwu Abraka Kingdom has
lost one of her best, a bridge builder and a good leader, known for
fairness, truth and justice.” Late Esiri was a known man in his
neighbourhood and this was not only because he was a popular figure, but
also that he was a free man. Even the Okada men told Daily Sun that he
was always taking part in any exercise that required a communal effort.
Commenting on Esiri’s contribution to the entertainment industry,
veteran Nollywood film producer, Mr. Francis Kaneibi Onwuchi, said:
“Justus Esiri, an icon and a Nollywood veteran who lived for 70 years
passed on on Tuesday February 19, understandably, this came as a
shocking news to some of us close to him, as we were unaware of his
health challenges. It is somewhat devastating; as he was one of those
elders we usually count on when there are issues to be resolved amongst
us. In addition, this just brings to mind that we all must strive at all
times to live our lives to the fullest as he did. We definitely would
have wished that he lived a few years longer, but at 70, he had done his
bit.
“Personally, I related closely with him professionally. Our paths
crossed sometime in 1993/94. I was associate producer of the film, “When
Flowers Turn Black…” He was one of the leading male artists and from
then we shared a lot, even to other productions we participated in. I
also gained from his wealth of wisdom during the days of ‘Conference of
Motion Picture Practitioners (CMPP),’ an association we all formed to
intervene and serve to advocate for the optimum development of
Nollywood.
source:http://sunnewsonline.com
No comments:
Post a Comment