Nollywood actress Sola Sobowale has paid tribute to late veteran actor Olu Jacobs, recalling how his guidance and encouragement helped shape her development as a performer.
Sobowale shared the personal recollection during a Night of Tributes held in Jacobs’ honour at Glover Memorial Hall in Lagos on Wednesday, September 30, bringing together actors, family members, cultural figures and other guests to celebrate his life and career.
Speaking at the event, Sobowale acknowledged Jacobs’ role in her professional journey, explaining that her acting ability had been shaped in part by the veteran’s guidance. She recalled that while audiences often praised her performances, Jacobs was among the people who helped train her.
“When people see Sola Sobowale, they say she is a fantastic actor, but somebody trained me and Baba Olu Jacobs was that person who trained me,” she said.
Her remarks highlighted a less visible aspect of Jacobs’ contribution to the Nigerian entertainment industry: the influence he had on colleagues through personal guidance, professional example and encouragement.
Sobowale also recalled an occasion when Jacobs publicly praised her acting ability in front of other people. According to her account, he drew the attention of those around him to her talent, a gesture she remembered as meaningful to her career.
The tribute was among several personal recollections shared at the gathering, where Nollywood figures reflected on Jacobs’ conduct, professionalism and relationships with fellow performers.
Veteran actor Norbert Young recalled working with Jacobs on the television detective series The Third Eye during the 1980s. He spoke about learning from Jacobs through their conversations and time working together. Actresses Hilda Dokubo and Kate Henshaw also remembered his supportive nature and the consideration he showed colleagues on film sets.
Actor Richard Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, shared a lesson he attributed to Jacobs about the importance of every performer and every line in a production. His recollection reinforced the theme of mentorship that featured in several tributes during the event.
Jacobs, widely known by the nickname “Lion of Lufodo”, built a career spanning more than five decades across theatre, television and film. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, worked in British productions and later became one of the familiar faces of Nigerian screen entertainment. He also co-founded the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts with his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva.
Jacobs died on September 16, 2026, at the age of 84. His passing prompted tributes from actors, filmmakers, public officials and admirers who recalled his performances and his contribution to the development of Nigerian theatre and film.
For Sobowale, the tribute offered an opportunity to publicly acknowledge the role Jacobs played in her own career. Her account also illustrated how the influence of an experienced performer can extend beyond individual productions through the encouragement and lessons passed on to colleagues.
The Night of Tributes preceded Jacobs’ funeral service, scheduled for Friday, October 2, in Lagos. As the industry continues to remember his work, the recollections shared by fellow actors provide personal accounts of the professional relationships that formed part of his legacy.
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