President Muhammadu Buhari has sent congratulations to veteran actor, Pete Edochie, on his 75th birthday.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, Monday, the President described Edochie as a pioneer and motivator of the entertainment industry, adding that his superlative performance as Okonkwo in the screen adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart” in the 80s bought the spotlight to Nigeria and Africa.
President Buhari noteed that Edochie’s background of living and working extensively in various parts of the country and the world, after serving the government as staff of the Nigeria Railway Corporation and Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation, greatly shaped his global outlook and influenced his interpretation of roles as a thespian.
Congratulating Edochie, the usually stereotyped actor as king and father in movies, President Buhari affirmed that his 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 like his son, Yul Edochie.
The President prayed that the Almighty God will crown the award-winning actor, who has many international recognitions, with good health and strength to keep serving the nation.
