Following the death of nollywood icon, sam loco-efe, the Kaduna state governor, Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, has commiserated with the Edo State government and the family of the star. He described his demise as “untimely”.
The governor, in a statement said, “On behalf of the government and good people of Kaduna State, I commiserate with the family of Mr. Sam Loco Efe and the Edo State government over the untimely demise of the ace actor”.
The statement, signed by the senior special assistant, media and publicity to the governor, Mr. Reuben Buhari, said, “The late Sam Loco had an accomplished career in the entertainment industry, and was among some of the professional artistes who helped take the industry to its present height”.
Yakowa noted that “ . . . by virtue of his exemplary exploits in the industry, he had, indeed, left a permanent mark that will not only stand the test of time but outlive his person . . . ,” as tributes that have trailed his demise have proved.
Another governor, Sullivan Chime of Enugu State described his death as “a great loss to the entertainment industry, Enugu State and Nigeria at large”. In a release signed by the senior special assistant to the governor on media matters, Hon. Afam Okereke, Governor Chime expressed shock and disbelief at the sudden death of the ever creative and talented guru, who, according to him, had contributed so much to the transformation and stability of Nollywood.
While commiserating with his colleague, Governor Chime emphasised that late Sam Efe’s involvement and participation in the Enugu State chapter of Actors Guild of Nigeria where he had lived since he relocated from Lagos many years, ago was inspiring.
He said the actor not only spent the earlier part of his life in the East but until his death, chose Enugu State as his permanent residence, from where he coordinated his transactions.
In another development, the president, Actors’ Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Mr. Segun Arinze, had charged the Federal Government to immortalise the veteran actor and comedian.
Speaking with Nollywood during a phone chat, the AGN president expressed his sadness over the sudden death of the actor.
“It is so sad, just so sad. Sam Loco Efe was a great actor. We have lost a gem. He was a brother indeed, one who contributed to the development of the industry with his talent. The entire Nollywood and nation will miss him”, said arinze.
“I am however impressed that even governors of states have been expressing their condolences. I will use this opportunity to call on the president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, to ensure that his legacy does not die. He must be immortalised. We always say that ‘the labour of our heroes past will not be in vain’. Now is the time to show that. Sam is one of Nigeria’s heroes whom we must immortalise”, the AGN helmsman concluded.
Others who paid tribute to the late actor were President Goodluck Jonathan through his special adviser on media, Mr Reuben Abati; several governors, including the governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, who, in a condolence letter sent to the AGN’s office in Lagos had written:
“It is, indeed, heart-rending to think that the very familiar face and likeable humour merchant whom I had known since my teenage years has taken a final exit from life’s stage.”
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