Lai Mohammed, Nigeria’s information and culture minister, has described legendary Nollywood actress, Zainab Bukola Ajayi, who died on Wednesday, July 6, 2016 as an iconic thespian and a colossus of her time who has left an indelible footprint in the country’s creative landscape.
In an e-mailed statement sent to The Trent on Thursday, July 7, 2016, the minister said despite her advanced age, it was still with a sense of sadness and great loss that he received the news of the death of the veteran actress and broadcaster.
He described the late stage and screen actress as a multi-talented creative person who started off her career as a television presenter and news reader before taking to acting, where she excelled.
”Her journey in the Nigerian creative industry spans decades of amazing performances in classic productions such as the unforgettable Village Headmaster and a number of critically-acclaimed stage and screen productions like ThunderBolt, Oduduwa, Women’s Cot, Mother of George, and The Sisters.
”Her name will be etched in the mind of her colleagues and fans in Nollywood because of the memories she gave all of us to cherish. There is no doubt that she will forever be an inspiration to generations of people in the creative industry,” Mr. Mohammed said.
The minister prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased and for succour for those she left behind.
Bukky Ajayi: Last Moving TV Moment
The Nollywood matriarch, Bukky Ajayi, who died at 82 was laid to rest according to Islamic rites on July 6, 2016, the same day she passed away.
The announcement and presentation of the Industry Merit Award to Madam Bukky Ajayi was the highlight of the night of the 2016 AMVCAs , as she received a standing ovation from the audience.
Bukky Ajayi received her award on a wheelchair and with tears rolling down her eye in gratitude, she pleaded for forgiveness from anyone whom she might have offended in the past decades of her career.
“I just want to say to all my friends and non-friends thank you very much, you do not know how much this award means to me,” the Nollywood veteran said.
“If I have offended in one way or another please find it in your heart to forgive me and if you think you have offended me, don’t worry I have forgiven you a long time ago.
“I am very happy from the bottom of my heart. I wish I could stand up but if I do I will fall but you all standing for me I say thank you,” she said. She featured in Nollywood productions like Thunderbolt, Mother of George, Indecent Girl, Diamond Ring and Witches.
She starred in the Guinness 2003 promotional film, Critical Assignment, along with Richard Mofe Damijo, who clocked 55 on the day she died.
