VIDEO: Kanayo O. Kanayo pays tribute to Olu Jacobs, recalls his impact on Nollywood

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Veteran Nollywood actor, Kanayo O. Kanayo, has paid tribute to the late actor, Olu Jacobs, recalling his professionalism, dedication to his craft and willingness to mentor younger performers.

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In an interview with BBC News Africa, shared on Facebook on Friday, Kanayo described Jacobs as a consummate actor whose discipline and wealth of experience left a lasting impression on colleagues in the Nigerian film industry.

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“You wouldn’t tell an Olu Jacobs that call time is nine and he’s not there by 8.30,” he said, recalling the late actor’s punctuality and commitment to work.

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Speaking about Jacobs’ contribution to Nollywood and the standards he set for younger actors, Kanayo said he brought a wealth of experience to the industry and consistently delivered fresh interpretations of his roles.

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“For those of us who were opportuned to be on set with him, he was just that consummate actor who played his part well. And every new scene came with a new interpretation,” he said.

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Kanayo added that Jacobs was always willing to teach younger actors how to improve their craft.

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“Always willing to teach the younger ones on how they can be better actors. And God save you if you’re on set with Mr. Olu Jacobs and you’re not proving yourself to be an actor,” he said.

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He recalled working with Jacobs in a film produced by Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen in Benin, where the late actor played his father, a king, while he portrayed a prince.

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“I would have wished that he stayed more. He has played his part and it’s time the Lord called him home,” Kanayo said.

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PUNCH Online previously reported that Jacobs died at the age of 84. His death was announced by his family on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

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Watch video here:

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𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐎: 𝐊𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐲𝐨 𝐎. 𝐊𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐲𝐨 𝐏𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐎𝐥𝐮 𝐉𝐚𝐜𝐨𝐛𝐬, 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐍𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐲𝐰𝐨𝐨𝐝

Credit: Facebook | BBC news Africa

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September 19, 2026

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