It is not every time that a professional is recognized in his field how much more, when among equally other qualified candidates, he stands out. That is what aptly describes the first Industry merit awards at the maiden edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards which was bestowed on veteran thespian, Olu Jacobs.
Uncle Olu as he is fondly called, on Saturday night inside the Eko Hotels & Suites, was honoured for his outstanding achievements in the world of make-belief and to capture his mood, he said: “I feel honoured today with this merit award. Sometimes you think you have seen it all and then something happens again. I can only say we have began something and we would jump for joy with this milestone, AMVCA. We are celebrating our creativity, telling our own story and our people enjoy it. We shall continue to repair and polish our industry till it becomes what you want it and how it should be.”
The actor got a standing ovation at the awards ceremony after his citation was read by an equally legendary actress – Taiwo Ajayi Lycett – she also presented him with the award.
The veteran actor who reiterated the need to strive hard and work harder in taking Nollywood to a more envious height, stressed that not everyone could be an actor. In his words, “You don’t have to be in front of the camera….there’s lighting, there’s directing, there’s scripting.”
“Know what you want and pray that when you see it, you recognize it,” Olu Jacobs added before leaving the AMVCA stage.