By Stellamaries Amuwa, Abuja
The Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) joins millions of Nigerians, in mourning the passage of Chief Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs which occurred in the early hours of today, Wednesday September 16th 2026.
NFC’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Dr Ali Nuhu, in a statement released in Jos, Plateau State described the passage of Olu Jacobs as deeply painful, indelible and a great loss to Nigeria’s film industry.
Nuhu, further described his contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria’s film industry as indeed impactful with his several decades of domestic and offshore practice. “We recall with nostalgia, his unparalleled positive impact and influence on the family, his peers, friends, as well as the domestic and diasporic television and film community”. By all estimation, he was a man of exceptional courage, truth, integrity, a filmmaker, storyteller, mentor, and patriot with distinction.
Late Olu Jacobs, poured his entire life into driving positive narratives and conversations about scaling Nigeria’s cinema. With grit and grace, he starred in several television soaps, feature and documentary films; providing strong convictions about the positive influence and the power of film beyond just to entertain. In moving forward, “we will miss his iconic and distinctive voice and screen appearances, but his memories will continually be ingrained in our hearts” Nuhu, said.
Beyond the deep and irreparable loss that his death would have on family members, relatives, friends, including many others who gleaned from his wealth of impeccable and filmmaking career experience, it will be incongruent not to recognize and revered him as one of Nigeria’s early iconic film stakeholders; as well as Nollywood’s finest and prolific actors; earning several recognitions and awards to include Member of the Federal Republic (MFR).
On behalf of Management and Staff of NFC, Nuhu extends his deepest appreciation to Late Olu Jacobs for his unreserved contributions to building a film industry that is inclusive, professional, and proudly Nigerian; and prays that Almighty God strengthens his family as they grief his passage; and grants him a peaceful rest.
