Buhari hails Pete Edochie as he clocks 75

President Muhammadu Buhari has showered praises on Pete Edochie, the veteran actor, on the occasion of his 75th birthday.

In a statement by Femi Adesina, the special adviser to the president on media and publicity, Buhari eulogised the award-winning actor for his achievements in the country’s movie industry.

“President Muhammadu Buhari joins entertainers in the music and movie industry, particularly Nollywood, in celebrating with veteran actor, scriptwriter and movie producer, Pete Edochie, on his 75th birthday,” it read.

Buhari also hailed Edochie for his “many pioneering and motivating roles” in Nollywood.

He said Edochie’s role in “Chinua Achebe’s ‘Things Fall Apart’ brought the spotlight to Nigeria and Africa.”

“President Buhari congratulates the renowned actor for the many pioneering and motivating roles in the entertainment industry, hitting the limelight in the 80s as Okonkwo in the screen adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart”, where his superlative performance brought the spotlight to Nigeria and Africa,” the statement added.

He also hailed Edochie for serving the government as a former staff of the Nigeria Railway Corporation and the Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation.

“The President notes that Edochie’s background of living and working extensively in various parts of the country and the world, after serving the government as staff of the Nigeria Railway Corporation and Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation, greatly shaped his global outlook and influenced his interpretation of roles as a thespian,” the statement added.

“He prayed that the Almighty God will crown the award-winning actor, who has many international recognitions, with good health and strength to keep serving the nation.”