President Muhammadu Buhari joins entertainers in the music and movie industry, particularly Nollywood, in celebrating with veteran actor, script writer and movie producer, Chief Pete Edochie, on his 75th birthday.
This was contained in a press statement by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), to Hybrid News Nigeria.
Chief Pete Edochie, MON was born in Zaria on March 7, 1947.
Edochie descends from Nteje in Oyi local government area of Anambra State and is a Catholic.
He said he’s still feels strong despite having spent “3 scores and ten” years. “Taking life easy and planning purposefully for everything makes life worth living as well as ageing gracefully” he said.
Edochie is considered one of Africa’s most talented actors, being honoured with an Industry Merit Award by Africa Magic and Lifetime Achievement by Africa Film Academy. Although a seasoned administrator and broadcaster, he came into prominence in the 1980s when he played the lead role of Okonkwo in an NTA adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s all-time best selling novel, Things Fall Apart.
In 2003, he was honoured as a Member of the Order of the Niger by President Olusegun Obasanjo.
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.
Congratulating Edochie, the usually stereotyped actor as king and father in movies, President Buhari affirms that his role in the founding and growing of Nollywood as one of biggest entertainment industries in the world deserves commendation, especially in incubating younger professionals and nurturing talents like his son, Yul Edochie.
The President prays 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.