‘Even in his death, we’re proud of Mr Ibu’ – Enugu Commissioner says after novelty match

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

Madueke made this known in a statement released on Thursday 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.

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Madueke 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, 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.

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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.”

In October 2023, the actor was reported ill and required financial assistance. And in November 2023, his family confirmed that one of his legs had been amputated to keep him alive.

Mr Ibu died on Saturday, March 2, 2024.