News - The Esiri we will miss, by actors

[TGD]

 FROM prominent actors in the nation's entertainment industry have come more tributes to the late Justus Esiri whom they described as a seasoned artiste who would be greatly missed by most Nigerians.

President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Ibinabo Fiberisima, in his condolence message said: "We will miss him in AGN. He was a father to us, always supporting us. Words cannot describe how I feel right now. He was a pillar to me from my early acting days to my campaign, election and till he died. He was always there for me. Uncle Justus Esiri was a complete gentleman, a disciplinarian, responsible and caring. He made me believe in myself and I thank God for his intervention in my life when I needed it. I will never forget his smile, which were very genuine and large always."

In his own message, former President of the Directors Guild of Nigeria, Fidelis Duker, said: "Uncle Justus as I refer to him is one of Nigeria's quintessential Thespians even though he had his training in engineering but he was able to distinguish himself in the creative industry. My closest encounter was after he won best supporting actor in AMAA and he had a cash prize attached to the award. Something unique that endeared me to him happened which I will keep for my book.

"In short, Mr. Justus Esiri was a great actor from Village Headmaster to Things Fall Apart as Obierika and importantly he remained a good man. I saw him last at the centenary brief by Senator Ayim Pius Ayim. I will always remember him."

Veteran Actor, Victor Olaotan, of Tinsel said: "Justus Esiri I came know in the industry about ten years ago as a peculiar character in a good way. He was very professional in his ways and direct in his approaches mostly, a jovial man, you will have fun around him. In short, he was a nice guy, never had an argument with him, he will be greatly missed, particularly by the producers who are still in the middle of shoot with him. May his gentle soul rest in peace."

 

Arinze, Okwo, others pay tributes

''We have lost a great and iconic Thespian who traversed and walked tall like a colossus on the entertainment scene. From the village headmaster to the kingly roles he played, he was a master craftsman and wordsmith. Every role he played had a life. He motivated me and was a father figure to me. Odogobiri (his character in The King Must Dance Naked), rest well.  You have played your part. You will be solely missed.''

With these words yesterday, popular actor and former President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria Segun Arinze extolled the virtues of the late Justus Esiri.

To a prominent singer, Emem Ema, "Uncle Justus, was an icon. I had the opportunity to work closely with him last year. It was an experience for which I will forever be grateful, as I was able to tap into his wealth of wisdom and learned as much as I could about what we now know as Nollywood. I wish I could have spent more time with him, however, I am consoled in the fact that I came in contact and learnt from a true Thespian and icon of our time. My prayers and thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."

Director and producer, Mildred Okwo, said: "I didn't know him personally but I knew his body of work which I studied greatly in the hope of working with him in the future. I am saddened by his death but I am glad that he lives forever through his body of work."

Award winning actress, Chioma Akpotha, expressed shock at the death of Esiri.

"Words fail me! His voice keeps ringing in my head...'Chioma you have to dig deeper if you want to be different from the rest!' Hmmm, I can't believe he is gone. 'No, it is JustUS!" he would correct in his unique voice and a grin on his face that gently transforms into a hearty laugh!    O dear, I can't believe he is gone. Many times a daddy he was to me. The actors' actor. The veterans' veteran. Rest in peace Uncle JustUS!''

Joe Benjamin, another popular actor, said that Esiri was "a man of standard, one who was a father to all. I met him only once, which was recently. He exhibited so much wisdom. His demise is one that will be felt for a very long time. I sympathise with his family in this moment of grief and sadness, may God grant them the fortitude to bear this loss.''

Film producers mourn Esiri

By Florence Utor and Sony Neme

Film producers in the country yesterday said that they were shocked by the news of Justus Esiri's death, describing the deceased as a legend.

President of the Association of Core Nollywood Producers (ANCOP), Alex Eyengho, in an interview said, "we are still mourning Uncle Esiri with shock."

Recalling the last time he saw the late Esiri, he said, "it was at the burial of Enebeli Elebuwa just some weeks back. He was full of life and spoke eloquently as usual, as he went down memory lane about how they started out as actors and as contemporaries. He did not show any sign of sickness.

"In fact, those who saw him a day before he died said that he was his jolly good self, as always. The only thing I can say is that no one knows when his or her end will come, except God, the giver of life. Truly, the industry has lost an irreplaceable legend and we shall all miss him."

Presenter of the Big Brother Africa show, IK Osakioduwa, said Esiri's death "is a blow and a sad story in the industry. The last time I saw him, he was full of life, as he spoke about how he saw his son, Dr. Sid from childhood, becoming a musician. He was so proud of him. So, waking up to hear of his death was one of the most shocking news I have ever received this year.

"He was one of the pioneers of the Nigerian entertainment industry, and I must say the industry owes him a huge debt based on his contribution to its growth, which cannot be quantified," he added.



The Guardian