President Muhammadu Buhari has joined the entertainment industry to celebrate veteran actor, Pete Edochie, as he clocks 75.
The President lauded the Nollywood legend for his pioneering and motivating roles in the growth of the Nigerian film and performing industry, recalling his outing in the award-winning television adaptation of Professor Chinua Achebe’s ‘Things Fall Apart’ in the 1980s.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, Buhari noted that Edochie’s contributions to the establishment and growth of Nollywood as one of the biggest entertainment industries in the world is commendable.
“President Muhammadu Buhari joins entertainers in the music and movie industry, particularly Nollywood, in celebrating with veteran actor, scriptwriter, and movie producer, Pete Edochie, on his 75th birthday.
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“President Buhari congratulates the renowned actor for the many pioneering and motivating roles in the entertainment industry, hitting the limelight in the 80s as Okonkwo in the screen adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart”, where his superlative performance brought the spotlight to Nigeria and Africa.
“The President notes that Edochie’s background of living and working extensively in various parts of the country and the world, after serving the government as staff of the Nigeria Railway Corporation and Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation, greatly shaped his global outlook and influenced his interpretation of roles as a thespian.
“Congratulating Edochie, the usually stereotyped actor as king and father in movies, President Buhari affirms that his role in the founding and growing of Nollywood as one of biggest entertainment industries in the world deserves commendation, especially in incubating younger professionals and nurturing talents like his son, Yul Edochie.
“The President prays that the Almighty God will crown the award-winning actor, who has many international recognitions, with good health and strength to keep serving the nation,” the statement reads.