Enugu proud of Mr Ibu, says commissioner

The Enugu State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Ugochi Madueke, has declared that even in death, the state government is proud of the late Nollywood actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu.

According to a statement made available to PUNCH Online on Thursday, Madueke made this known after the novelty match organised in honour of the late actor in Enugu.

The match took place at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, against the current reigning Champions of the Nigerian Premier League, Rangers Football Club of Enugu, as part of activities for the late actor’s burial.

PUNCH Online earlier reported that Rangers FC, celebrities, top personalities and fans will on Tuesday honour the late Mr Ibu with a novelty match for his astonishing comedy career during his lifetime.

The statement quoted Madueke to have said, “Mr Ibu was a great and unique actor. That was what brought all those people out to honour him, and Enugu State Government is proud of him.”

Also speaking, the Central Planning Committee Chairman, Monday Ani thanked all who took out time to grace the event.

He thanked the government of Enugu state, the General Manager of Rangers FC, Amobi Ezeani, and all those who played one role or the other in making the novelty match a success.

He said, “I appreciate the Enugu State Government for the provision of an enabling environment for this event of high magnitude to happen and their support too. Also, Rangers FC, especially the General Manager, Amobi Ezeani, for the role he has played.

“The celebrities, politicians, and captains of industries came in large numbers to honour Mr. Ibu. The crowd who came to watch, security, and finally the CPC which every key member was on their toes for the success of the event, thank you!”

In his remarks, Nollywood actor, Charles Anwurem, said, “Mr Ibu was a character player, but now he cannot do anything. One of the things that killed him was torture of the heart.”

Another actor, Steve Eboh added, “An actor does everything, that’s why I’m here today as an ‘actor footballer.’ The expectation is that if we are winning then he’s winning. The spirit of Mr. Ibu is here and we would not allow him to be defeated.”

The statement added that a member of the Enugu State House of Assembly, representing Enugu East, Raymond Ugwu, said: “I’m motivated to have been there to pay my last respect to my big brother since God has decided to take him. We were there at the novelty match to pay him the last respects he deserves.”

The Majority Leader of the House, Samuel Ani, representing Enugu North stated, “I’m happy the novelty match went well because there’s nothing more commendable than when we come together to sympathise with the family. If you looked around you would find out that everyone there was happy because that’s the kind of actor Mr. Ibu was. He made people happy and my prayer for him is for his soul to rest in peace.”

Recall that Mr Ibu died on Saturday, March 2, 2024.

In October 2023, the veteran actor was reported ill and required financial assistance.

But in November 2023, his family confirmed that one of his legs had been amputated to keep him alive.