President Muhammadu Buhari has praised veteran actor, script writer and movie producer, Pete Edochie, for the many pioneering and motivating roles in Nollywood and the entertainment industry.
Buhari’s commendation was conveyed in a statement by media adviser, Femi Adesina, congratulating the thespian on his 75th birthday.
Edochie hit 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 noted Edochie’s background of living and working extensively in various parts of the country and the world.
He had served the government as staff of the Nigeria Railway Corporation and Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation.
His extensive tours of duty have also greatly shaped his global outlook and influenced his interpretation of roles as a thespian.
Edochie is usually cast as king and father in movies.
Buhari said Edochie’s 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 such as his son, Yul Edochie.
