Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has described the late Justus Esiri as a legend who brought prestige and honour to Nollywood and acting profession in the country.
The Governor, in a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Felix Ofou, in Lagos said that the late actor, apart from being one of the pioneer actors, carved a niche that saw him recognized worldwide.
“He was not only one of the pioneer actors in the country; the late Justus Esiri brought uncommon touch and professionalism to his trade. He was renowned and honoured wherever he went. He was a legend”, he noted.
Uduaghan recalled that the late actor was recognized and decorated with prestigious title of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), a feat enjoyed by a privileged few in Nollywood and acting profession.
The Governor said Esiri’s role in the epic, Village Headmaster has continued to serve as a reference point and an inspiration to scholars, actors and actresses, leaders and generations to come, adding that the vacuum left by the late actor will be difficult to fill.
He acknowledged that the death was particularly a big blow to the state, the people of Abraka and the Urhobo nation in general and prayed God to also grant the deceased’s family the fortitude to bear the loss.
