Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have congratulated Nollywood veteran actor Pete Edochie on his 75th birthday.
On Monday, the President joined entertainers from the music and film industries, particularly Nollywood, in congratulating the veteran actor, scriptwriter, and film producer on his achievement.
Buhari, who singled out Edochue for praise, urged him to use his vast experience to continue nurturing several talents for the country’s entertainment sector.
This was stated in a statement issued by the president’s Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, titled “President Buhari greets veteran actor, Pete Edochie at 75.”
“President Buhari congratulates the renowned actor on his many pioneering and motivating roles in the entertainment industry,” the statement said.
In the 1980s, he rose to prominence as Okonkwo in the film adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart,” where his outstanding performance brought the spotlight to Nigeria and Africa.
“The President notes that Edochie’s background of living and working extensively in various parts of the country and the world, following his service with the government as staff of the Nigeria Railway Corporation and the 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 says his role in establishing and growing Nollywood as one of the world’s largest entertainment industries deserves recognition, particularly in incubating younger professionals and nurturing talents like his son.
“The President prays that the Almighty God will grant the award-winning actor, who has received numerous international accolades, good health and strength to continue serving the nation.”
On his part, Atiku, in a tweet on Monday, wished the actor good health and vitality as he continues to play a leading role in the industry.
“Ebube Dike,” he tweeted. Ebube Dike Ebube Dike Chief Pete Edochie, eleke diri gi on the occasion of your 75th birthday. I wish you many more years of health and vitality.”
