Mr Ibu is more celebrated in Kenya, South Africa, Ghana and four other countries

March 10, 2024 Joshua Samuel

The manager of the late Nollywood actor Dominic Nwazoru has revealed that Mr, Ibu was more popular and celebrated in other African countries like Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, Botswana, Gabon, and Gambia when he was alive.

His manager also revealed that Mr. Ibu used his funny acting skills to promote peace in Africa and while doing so held the Nigerian flag high purely showing love for his home country Nigeria.

This was revealed in an interview with the Nigerian News Agency (NAN) by his manager on Sunday in Abuja.

According to his manager, his late boss was given several awards across communities and nations in Africa during his lifetime.

“I remember vividly, how two warring tribes in Ghana came together for the first time because of John’s performance and he ended up reconciling them,” Nwuzoru said.

“He was thereafter given a Chieftaincy title as the ‘Malangula I of Tamale Land’, meaning the peacemaker, and I was named the ‘Ngulala’, meaning the mouthpiece of the peacemaker.

“When we went to Botswana, he held the Nigerian flag when we landed to show how proud and patriotic he was because they were hearing a lot of negative things about Nigeria then.

“He was a man I would say made Africans laugh and was held in high esteem like a people’s leader across Africa.”

He added, “Mr Ibu, as John was popularly known, was not just an actor, but Nollywood ambassador that used his talent and humour to promote peace, happiness and unity among Africans.

“I signed John in 2004, and then our relationship grew beyond that of business to become that of friendship as we have become so close till his death.

“The deal started with first two years, and I did not bother him with the aspects of Nigerian movies, so he could deal with anyone on Nigerian movies.

“But for anything concerning international showbiz, I have to discuss with the promoters on the basic access requirements and then we would move.

“There was no airport, especially in Africa, where crowd of fans would not gather to welcome John, and that was how I realised his popularity outside the shores of Nigeria.

“I can tell you that he was even more celebrated in countries like Ghana, South Africa ,Kenya, Tanzania, Gambia, Garbon, Botswana and he always held the Nigerian flag showing his love for his country,” he said.

According to Nwuzoru, the late thespian used his craft to project Nigeria in a positive light to the world, especially in countries that have heard negative stories about the country.

“Then, John was one of the positive things other countries wanted to hear about Nigeria and everybody looked forward to meet him, including presidents of nations,” he said.

“For example, even a two-year-old child in Ghana knows Mr Ibu, and one thing about him was his friendliness and originality, as everything he does is just himself and does not copy anyone.

“Foreigners fell in love with Nigeria through John and wanted to visit the country because of him, as we got calls from even the Caribbean.”

Mr Ibu recently passed away in Lagos.

The late Nigerian actor was born in October 17 1961 in Nkwanu Local government area, Enugu State.

Mr Ibu was famous for the ‘Mr. Ibu series’, which included Mr. Ibu (2004), Mr. Ibu 2 (2005), Mr. Ibu and His Son, Coffin Producers, Husband Suppliers, International Players, Mr. Ibu in London (2005).

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Joshua Samuel

A conscientious writer with a knack and passion for story telling which spans across different sectors and segments. I love telling stories in writing and bringing quality, authentic and timely information to everyone everywhere.

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