Jonathan, Oshiomhole, Others Mourn Sam Loco

Sam Loco Efe

Mixed reactions Monday continued to trail the death of veteran actor, Mr. Sam Loco Efe, who died on August 7, in Owerri, Imo State at the age of 66.

President Goodluck Jonathan, while commiserating with the late actor's family said, Sam Loco's professional accomplishments helped to raise the profile of the Nigerian actor on the contemporary stage.

In a condolence message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, Jonathan said: “President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan extends his sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family of renowned stage and screen actor, Sam Loco Efe, who passed away on Sunday.”

He recalled that beginning with his role in the television series, Hotel De Jordan which first aired on Nigerian Television in 1970, and his part in Langbodo, the stage play Nigeria presented for the World Black Arts Festival, FESTAC '77, Loco remained a leading and dominant figure on the country's very vibrant acting scene until his death.

The President, who urged members of his family, fans across Nigeria, members of the Actors Guild of Nigeria and the entire Nollywood family, to take solace in the knowledge that he was a most accomplished artiste, a natural and gifted entertainer who will always be remembered with respect and admiration, however, prayed that God Almighty will grant Sam Loco peaceful repose.

Also, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, described Sam Loco's death “as a great loss to the state and the nation's movie industry.”

In a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Peter Okhiria, Oshiomhole said he remembered the late actor's role as Chief Ukabribri in the television series “Hotel de Jordan” in the seventies and his rise to stardom as the best actor for his role in Langbodo, Nigeria's drama entry for FESTAC 77. He was an ace actor who brought smiles to the faces of Nigerians with his witty roles in almost all his movies.”

Similarly, Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State described the late actor as a colossus and rare gem, whose contributions to the development of Nollywood industry and the nation is immeasurable.

Okorocha said he received the death of the popular actor with rude shock and described the demise as a sad loss to the nation.

President of AGN, Mr. Segun Arinze, said: “Uncle Efe was a cultural model that truly belonged to the class of greats in the world of creative arts, drama and comedy in the industry.”

“It is indeed a loss to all Nigerian. Sam Loco is an irreplaceable actor, a very likeable humour merchant has taken a final exit from life's stage,” he said.

Some actors who reacted to his death yesterday include Mr. John Okafor, who said: “if truly he is gone, then this is a big loss for the Nollywood industry, for Nigeria as a country and for the world as a whole. A star is gone, adieu Sam.”

National Secretary of the AGN, Mr. Chuma Onwudiwe said: “Today is indeed a very sad day in Nollywood. I can confirm that the great Sam Loco is dead.”

President of the Association of Nollywood Core Producers (ANCOP), Mr.Alex Eyengho, said “Nollywood has lost a thorough bred veteran.”