Nwuzoru also asserted that Mr Ibu was more celebrated in Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, four other countries while alive
By Kehinde Okeowo
Dominic Nwuzoru, manager of late Nollywood actor, John Okafor, better known as Mr Ibu, has asserted that he promoted peace and unity across Africa with humour.
He made this known in Abuja on Sunday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), where he also said the late thespian was more celebrated in countries like Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Gambia, Gabon and Botswana when he was alive.
He further said that Mr Ibu always held the Nigerian flag to show his love for his country when abroad, adding that he was given several honours and recognitions by leaders and communities across Africa during his lifetime.
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Speaking during the chat, Nwuzoru said: “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.
“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,”
Nwuzoru went on to say the late veteran actor used his craft to project Nigeria in a positive light to the world, especially in countries that have heard negative stories about the country.
