Key points
- Gov. Alex Otti describes the late Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo as a major cultural ambassador.
- The actor was buried in Arochukwu, Abia State, amid tributes from government and Nollywood stakeholders.
- Otti says Ekubo’s life reflected creativity, discipline and excellence.
- The governor urges the family and mourners to take solace in God.
- Ekubo died in May at age 40 after complications from metastatic kidney cancer.
Main Story
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has described the death of Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo as a profound loss to Abia, Nigeria’s entertainment industry and admirers worldwide.
Otti made the remark on Thursday during the funeral service held at the Mary Slessor Technical College Ground in Arochukwu Local Government Area. He was represented at the event by his Chief of Staff, Dr Caleb Ajagba.
The governor said the late actor was more than an entertainer, describing him as a cultural ambassador who projected the image of Abia State and Nigeria globally. He said Ekubo’s life reflected resilience, creativity and excellence, noting that his achievements continue to inspire young people.
“Alex possessed that rare gift of connecting with people through his performances.”
He added: “He brought joy to homes, inspired young people and demonstrated that with discipline, dedication and excellence, greatness is achievable.”
Otti further said: “His success story remains a powerful testimony to the resilience, creativity and ingenuity that characterise the people of Abia State.” “In him, the youth of our state found a role model who dared to dream and worked tirelessly to turn those dreams into reality.”
He urged the bereaved family, the people of Arochukwu and the entertainment industry to remain strong and take solace in God. Resident Pastor of Streams of Joy, Umuahia, Mrs Eno Jerry-Eze, in a sermon titled “Please Forgive God”, reminded worshippers that all events occur within divine knowledge and permission.She encouraged reflection and spiritual preparedness for accountability in life.
The deceased’s elder sister, Mrs Kelechi Ekubo-Otusi, described him as humble, loving and God-fearing, noting his devotion to family and humanity.Alex Ekubo died in May at the age of 40 due to complications from advanced metastatic kidney cancer. He is survived by his wife, parents, siblings and other relatives. The funeral was attended by government officials, Nollywood actors and sympathisers from across Nigeria.
The Issues
- Passing of a prominent Nollywood actor at a young age (40).
- Loss felt across Nigeria’s entertainment industry and Abia State.
- Recognition of cultural figures as ambassadors of national identity.
- Emotional and spiritual responses to death and public mourning.
- Health awareness around cancer-related complications.
What’s Being Said
- Governor Alex Otti (represented by Dr Caleb Ajagba) said: “Alex possessed that rare gift of connecting with people through his performances.”
- He added: “He brought joy to homes, inspired young people and demonstrated that with discipline, dedication and excellence, greatness is achievable.”
- He further said: “His success story remains a powerful testimony to the resilience, creativity and ingenuity that characterise the people of Abia State.”
- Sister of the deceased, Mrs Kelechi Ekubo-Otusi, described him as “humble, caring, loving and God-fearing.”
What’s Next
- Continued tributes from Nollywood stakeholders and fans.
- Ongoing reflections on health awareness and cancer treatment access.
- Preservation of the late actor’s legacy in Nigerian film and culture.
- Family mourning and final rites completion.
Bottom Line
Alex Ekubo’s death marks the loss of a young cultural figure whose work shaped Nollywood storytelling and inspired many, leaving behind a legacy of creativity and influence.
