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Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has described the death of a renowned Nollywood actor, Alexx Ekubo, as a profound loss to Abia, Nigeria’s entertainment industry and millions of admirers across the world.
Otti stated this on Thursday during the funeral service held in honour of the late actor at the Mary Slessor Technical College Ground in Arochukwu Local Government Area of the state.
The governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr Caleb Ajagba, said that the late actor was more than an entertainer, noting that he served as a cultural ambassador who projected the image of the state and nation on the global stage.
He said that late Ekubo’s life exemplified resilience, creativity and excellence, adding that his success story remained a source of inspiration to young people.
“Alex possessed that rare gift of connecting with people through his performances.
“He brought joy to homes, inspired young people and demonstrated that with discipline, dedication and excellence, greatness is achievable.
“His success story remains a powerful testimony to the resilience, creativity and ingenuity that characterise the people of Abia State.
“He carried his roots with pride and never ceased to identify with the land of his birth.
“In him, the youth of our state found a role model who dared to dream and worked tirelessly to turn those dreams into reality,” Otti said.
The governor noted that although the actor’s death had created a vacuum in the Nigerian creative industry, his legacy and works would continue to inspire generations.
He urged the bereaved family, the people of Arochukwu and the entertainment industry to remain strong and take solace in God during the period of mourning.
In a sermon titled “Please Forgive God”, the Resident Pastor of Streams of Joy, Umuahia, Mrs Eno Jerry-Eze, reminded the congregation that nothing happens without God’s knowledge and permission.
Jerry-Eze urged people to continually examine their lives and prepare for the day when everyone would give account of their stewardship on earth.
In a tribute, the deceased’s elder sister, Mrs Kelechi Ekubo-Otusi, described her brother as humble, caring, loving and God-fearing, adding that he devoted his life to God and humanity.
The late Ekubo died in May at the age of 40 following complications arising from advanced metastatic kidney cancer.
He is survived by his wife, parents, siblings and other relatives.
The funeral was attended by top government officials, Nollywood actors and sympathisers from different parts of the country.
Nollywood actor Bucci Franklin has won the Best Supporting Actor award at the 2026 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards for his performance in To Kill a Monkey.
Franklin emerged winner in a highly competitive category, beating several notable nominees for their standout performances in film and television.
The other nominees were Simileoluwa Hassan for The Yard, Lateef Adedimeji for Gingerrr and Red Circle, Gabriel Afolayan for Colours of Fire, Femi Adebayo for Agesinkole (King of Thieves) 2, Femi Branch for Owabbe Thieves, and Uzor Arukwe for Behind the Scenes.
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Franklin’s role in To Kill a Monkey earned praise from viewers and critics, with many commending the depth and intensity he brought to the character.
The award is one of the major acting honours presented annually at the AMVCA to recognise excellence in African film and television.
The Oscars will leave Hollywood after celebrating their centenary, organizers said Thursday, as they announced a long-term deal to hold the gala in central Los Angeles.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said the ceremony, the most important night of the year for the global film industry, would leave the Dolby Theatre on the Hollywood Walk of Fame after 2028.
The 2029 edition will instead be held at The Peacock Theater, part of the vast LA LIVE complex, next to the Crypto.com Arena, home to the Los Angeles Lakers.
“For the 101st Oscars and beyond, the Academy looks forward to closely collaborating with (owners) AEG to make LA LIVE the perfect backdrop for our global celebration of cinema, both for our live in-theater audience and for film fans around the world,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor said.
