Somto Bisina
The Nigerian entertainment industry mourns the loss of a true icon, the late Nollywood star, Saint Obi. Prime Business Africa(PBA) publisher Dr. Marcel Mbamalu and Renowned movie director Teco Benson have come forward to pay their respects to the talented actor, highlighting his remarkable contributions to the Nigerian film industry and his humble character.
Teco Benson, in a heartfelt tribute, shared his disbelief at the untimely departure of Saint Obi, in an Instagram post on Sunday 14th May, 2023. Benson revealed that they were planning a comeback movie together, only to be devastated by the tragic news.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelWords failed him as he bid farewell to his dear friend, wishing him eternal peace until they meet again. Benson fondly reminisced about the remarkable movies they collaborated on, including “State of Emergency,” “Executive Crime,” “Deadly Proposal,” “Dirty Game,” and “Felony,” among others.
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Dr. Mbamalu, PBA publisher, also expressed his admiration for the late Nollywood star. He remembered two unique encounters with Saint Obi, particularly during the making of the movie “State of Emergency” in 2000. “Despite being a well-established star at the time, Saint Obi remained humble and treated everyone with utmost respect”’ Dr Mbamalu said.
On set, he mingled with the cast and crew, cracking jokes and forming personal connections. This demonstrated his humility and his commitment to his craft.
Years later, Dr. Mbamalu had the opportunity to meet Saint Obi again in 2021. During their meeting, he discovered that the actor had transitioned from the Entertainment scene to pursue business and entrepreneurship.
Despite his fame and accomplishments, Saint Obi remained grounded and humble, leaving a lasting impression on those who crossed his path.
His legacy will continue to inspire generations of actors and film-makers, showcasing the importance of talent, humility, and dedication to one’s craft.
What Prime Business Africa, Dr Mbamalu, Said of late Saint Obi
“The late Nollywood Star, saint Obi, was a bundle of talents who never allowed his achievements in the film industry to get to his head. He was humble and showed utmost respect to everyone he encountered in the course of his career and personal life.
I can recall two unique encounters with him. The first was during the making of the movie “State of Emergency” in year 2000.
Saint Obi at the time was already a star, almost adored around Africa, for his leading roles in several market-moving Nollywood films at the time, but on set and during several days and nights of shooting at the National Theatre Iganmu and other Lagos locations, we could see him mingle, crack jokes and take personal shots with all crew members. Unlike other stars on set, there were no boundaries between him and the cast, including the crew members. Saint Obi would always be there in time for shooting.
That was 23 years ago (in year 2000) when my friend, brother and class mate in the 1980s, Teco Beson MFR, directed the “State of Emergency”, a parody movie on the aftermath of peacekeeping missions in Liberia and the complicity of state actors and impacts on national insecurity in neighbouring countries.
Saint was the lead actor in that movie.
Many years after, I met him again in 2021 at Professor Pat Utomi’s CVL office on Victoria Island. We exchanged banters and I asked him why he appeared to have jettisoned the Nollywood business. He simply told me he had left all those for business and entrepreneurship.”
As we say our goodbyes to this remarkable actor, let us celebrate the life and achievements of a true legend in Nollywood.
May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his memory continue to inspire and ignite passion within the hearts of aspiring actors and film-makers.
