L-R Prince Emeka Ani, Peter Obi and Dr Uzu Onyemachi at the event
….As John lbu is laid to rest.
Emmanuel lkpeama
The late legendary actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, who passed away on March 2, 2024, after battling ill health for some time, was laid to rest on Friday, June 28, 2024, in his hometown of Amuri, Nkanu West Local Government Area, Enugu State.
The ceremony saw an outpour of love and tributes from family members, friends, Nollywood celebrities, former Presidential Candidate of Labour Party,Mr Peter Obi and the CEO of Ruzu Herbal Products,Dr Robert Onyemachi Uzu graced the occasion.
The funeral rites started with a novelty match between Nollywood stars and Rangers International Football Club, which took place on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, followed by a candlelight procession the next day, where the late actor’s colleagues, fans and family members paid their last respect.
The burial ceremony proper which witnessed high profile personalities who travelled to Enugu, started at Toscana Hotel, Enugu, where Mr. Ibu’s corpse was first received by the MD of Toscana Hotel alongside Nollywood actors, relations, friends and partners of the late actor.
Thereafter, the corpse, accompanied by actors and other dignitaries, was moved to his hometown Amuri, Nkanu West Local Government Area, Enugu State, where the burial was conducted.
The CEO of Ruzu Herbal Bitters,Dr. Uzu who was accompanied by his brand ambassadors, Prince Emeka, Mr. Steve Eboh and AB Cowboy consoled Mr. Ibu’s family, stated that the late Nollywood veteran is one who is loved by everyone as every individual who had Mr lbu in his or her heart tried their best to save his life but God knows best
He assured the family that Go-wellness Worldwide and Ruzu Group will continue to support the family,as he officially presented to them souvenirs courtesy of Go-Wellness Worldwide Limited and Ruzu Group.
His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi who was present at the event said that Mr. Ibu was irreplaceable as he urge the family to take solace in God.
Meanwhile, His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi was shocked to see Nollywood Actor, Prince Emeka Ani, looking strong and healthy, knowing fully that he was down with diabetes and other related health problems for over 10 years, while appreciating Dr. Uzu for what he has been doing in the lives of Nollywood actors through his herbal medicines and prayed that God will continue to bless his service to humanity.
It will be recalled that Dr. Uzu Onyemaechi Robert has partnered with Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) to treat all the registered Nollywood actors free, and many of them have benefited from this partnership. His products, like Ruzu Herbal Bitters, Ruzu Herbal Tea, Ruzu Black for Men, Ruzu Herbal Balm, and many others, have really helped Nigerians in managing their health.
Dr. Ruzu presented the official drink of the occasion, Kamkpe Herbal Drink, to legendary Nollywood actors Nkem Owoh a.k.a Osuofia, Patience Ozokwor a.k.a Mama G, Mr. Charles Inoje, Mr. Victor Osuagwu, Mr. Charles Awurum and others.
Earlier this month, the Actors Guild of Nigeria had organised a candlelight service at the Unity Fountain in Abuja to pay tribute to Mr Ibu and two other deceased actors— Amaechi Muonagor and Zulu Adigwe. A wake was subsequently held in his honour on Thursday, June 27, in his hometown.
Notable guests that graced the burial ceremony were His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi, former Presidential Candidate for Labour Party at the last Presidential Election, Dr. Uzu Onyemaechi Robert, Chairman, Go-Wellness Worldwide Limited, and the CEO Ruzu Group, Nollywood legendary actors and film producers, Prince Emeka Ani, Nkem Owoh a.k.a Osuofia, Mrs. Patience Ozokwo a.k.a Mama G, Mr. Steve Eboh, a.k a Ajebo, Dr. Ken Bucknor Ugochukwu, Mr. Prince Ejiamatu, Mr. Charles Awurum, Mr. Charles Inoje and many others.
