Entertainment
Celebrating Olu Jacobs At 70
It has become fashionable – pertinent, some would argue – for those who choose to pen their views about Nigeria to switch to a negative default setting prior to processing their thoughts. We live in times when one can demand for and receive prescription painkillers for the symptoms experienced daily, after perusing reports contained in the Nigeria news space. It is an era when kindergarten aged children, learning to read and write, will pick a newspaper and spell D-E-A-D on every single page, and perhaps, play games with two different daily newspapers on which will boast more occurrence of D-E-A-D.
Yet, it is expedient at this time, more than ever, that we identify and celebrate individuals who have chosen to create an atmosphere around themselves that we covet as our national culture. As Olu Jacob celebrates his 70th birthday, one can confidently state that he is one man who has, within his sphere of influence and profession, maintained a grace that is uncommon in our times.
Finding himself by calling and training in a scandal-friendly industry, Olu Jacobs has maintained his integrity; never for once has he been linked to any form of indignity, high or low. When adultery, senseless divorce, perversion, and every imaginable manifestation of low-life daily make the news in Nollywood, Olu Jacobs has unfailingly come out unscathed. He has remained married to the delectable Joke Silva who consistently glows like a teenager who has just fallen in love for the first time.
Never for once has Olu Jacobs been heard mouthing ethnic sentiments in his description of the Nigerian film industry. When it has become the trend, for instance, for some actors and producers to make such statements as “Yoruba movies are the best” “Igbo actors are better than others” “Hausa movies are beyond Nollywood” and other such divisive assertions that expose the closed mindedness of those who utter them, Olu Jacobs, a bridge builder, would always judge each movie according to its merits, and approach his analysis of the industry with uncommon broad mindedness. He has maintained the highest level of professionalism with his colleagues, producers, directors and marketers, choosing – like the elder he is – not to keep quiet about the decay in the industry, but without personalizing or sectionalizing his utterances. Don’t be deceived, he is proud of his Yoruba roots, as every African ought to be of his primary nationality, but he appears to have understood that life, to be lived to the full must never be approached from an either/or perspective, but from a both/and viewpoint. We live to learn from each other, not to hate, contest with or castigate each other.
Never for once has Olu Jacobs been linked with fraud, embezzlement or some other political maneuverings, be it within the Actors Guild of Nigeria or at the macro level, when it comes to wining and dining with the notoriously corrupt Nigerian political class. Not that it is unbecoming of one to leverage on one’s talents and popularity to make “important friends,” but Olu Jacobs has consistently maintained his professionalism by standing apart, even shunning the political space of Nigeria. Except when called upon to promote certain humanitarian or charitable causes, he has been content to act his scripts out and retire to enjoy life with his family.
Nothing is inherently wrong with a Wyclef Jean trying his hands on the Haitian presidency or Youssou N’Dour aiming a shot at Senegal’s topmost position, or even George Opong Weah vowing to rule Liberia in his lifetime, but there is profound wisdom in the proverb that says that a hunter who has only one arrow to shoot does not shoot with careless aim. Olu Jacobs has lived his single lifetime with dedication to his calling and training, wavering neither to the left nor to the right.
On his 70th Birthday, Nigeria has a man to celebrate in Olu Jacobs. Although close to two decades older than the independent nation, Olu Jacobs represents the new breed of Nigerians who will soon, hopefully populate the country’s geographical space.
It would be recalled that Olu Jacobs studied drama at the Royal Academy, London against his father’s wish. He is married to a delectable actress, Joke Silver.
Entertainment
“The Legal Day” 2025: Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Moves to Promote French Via Law
In a bid to promote the French language through law and build bridges between communities the Alliance Française Port Harcourt, in collaboration with the Embassy of France in Nigeria has organized the 2025 edition of “La Journée du Droit” (“The Legal Day”)
The event which took place at Alliance Française auditorium was a civic and linguistic celebration designed to help learners of French Language and young citizens discover the importance of law in everyday life.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the event featured interactive quiz sessions, exploring legal rules and civic principles in Nigeria, France, Africa and beyond, pointing out both the similarities and differences between legal systems around the world.
Throughout the day, the event featured interactive quiz sessions exploring legal rules and civic principles in Nigeria, France, Africa, and beyond, highlighting both the similarities and differences between legal systems around the world.
The initiative was aimed at encouraging reflection on the rights and responsibilities shared by all citizens and to promote the values of justice, equality, and mutual respect through the French language.
The programme which had two sessions, (Morning and Afternoon session) witnessed the participation of about 150 students from various levels of education. Ranging from the Primary, Secondary, and tertiary institution for an engaging experience of civic and legal concepts.
Schools in attendance included Surebloom International School, Pleroma High School, Casterly Rock Secondary School, and TotalEnergies Port Harcourt School.
The morning sessions saw the Participation of Alliance Française students in an interactive quiz, enhancing their French comprehension while exploring civic notions.
While the Afternoon session had students from the University of Port Harcourt – UNIPORT (French Language and Law Departments), students from the French Department from both Ignatius Ajuru University of Education and Rivers State University joined in the final rounds of the competition.
According to the director of Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Mrs Marina Lacal, all quiz questions were presented in French, then translated into English to ensure full understanding by participants, saying that winners received special prizes, as all attendees took home souvenirs from the educational and convivial event.
Mrs Lacal said that the diplomatic and educational initiative event “La Journée du Droit” (The Legal Day) sought to promote the French language through law, highlight the capacity of law to build bridges between communities and emphasize law as one of the pillars of French diplomacy.
“Through this initiative, the Alliance Française Port Harcourt continues its mission to foster intercultural dialogue, civic awareness, and the learning of French as a language of knowledge, culture, and citizenship,”?she?added.
The Garden City of Rivers State Port Harcourt at the weekend joined other parts of the world to celebrate the World Music Day, 2025, as Alliance Française showcases talents.
The event which is internationally known as Fête de la musique was held at cultural hall of the Alliance Française was a remarkable concert with memorable experience.
The event brought together music lovers, students, Artistes and members of the community For an exciting evening live performances and cultural exchange.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the world Music Day, which was created 1982 in France by the then Minister of culture, Jack Lang, ‘ Fête de la Musique’ is now celebrated in more than 100 countries every 21st June, marking the first day of summer with free concerts and musical showcases in public spaces.
In Port Harcourt, the Alliance Française honoured the tradition by spotlighting four(4) emerging artistes offering a platform to young talents shaping the city’s contemporary scene.
The audience enjoyed an unforgettable moments as they were entertained by the powerful performances from Preach A, who is known for blending fitness culture with spoken words and rhythm.
Also, artiste Emmayany delivering a vibrant fusion of afrobeat and afro pop. A singer, song writer and a performing artiste with a distinct sound.
Others were Amarachy Uko, a sensational singer with passion for soul , R&B, pop music and afrobeat.
While DJ Prospel closed the night with an energetic DJ set that got the entire hall dancing.
Earlier, the Director, Alliance Française, Port Harcourt Mrs Marina Lacal high lighted the mission of the Alliance Française saying that the event was more than a concert.
According to her, the event was put together by the Alliance Française to promote cultural diversity and foster artistic expression by connecting a long standing French tradition with creativity of the local music scene, adding that the event offerers an avenue for dialogue between culture and generations.
She stated that the event is used to promote professional and bring amateur artistes to limelight via the platform of the Alliance Française which is aimed at promoting the French Language through cultural heritage.
She explained that the celebration is also a broader series of Fête de la musique activities organized by the 10 Alliance Française across Nigeria in sync with concerts held in France and around the world simultaneously.
She further noted that the occasion reaffirms the role of Alliance Française as a cultural bridge, one where French heritage meets the pulses of Nigerian youth.
It would be recalled that no fewer than 19 artistes applied to perform at the event in Port Harcourt, but only four got approval for appearance.
The Governor of the Performing Musicians Employer’s Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Rivers State chapter, Comrade Moses Mabadeje popularly known as Mozy B said that the body has announced plans to implement performance Levy on artistes in the state with effect from 21st June.
This was carried in a statement released to The Tide Entertainment, yesterday by the Deputy Governor of the association, Comrade Abiye Howells.
According to the Governor, the announcement was made by PMAN, the only governing body that regulates the music profession in Nigeria, as authorized by the Government of Nigeria, in line with the Trade Union Act.
He stated that those affected by the Levy include (Non members)bands, groups, Hotels, Bars, lounges, Event Centres, show organizers, promoters and other stakeholders hosting events which feature live music performances within the State.
However, the Levy does not apply to members of the Performing Musicians Employer’s Association of Nigeria. (PMAN).
Comrade Moses Mabadeje, explained that this drive is aimed at financing the association and supporting the welfare and interest of musicians as outlined in Article 8 of the PMAN constitution as amended (2023). Consequently, a PMAN task force has been set up to enforce and swing into action to effect this move.
He further said that event organizers, promoters and owners of event centers are expected to comply with this regulation as the Governor has urged stakeholders to collaborate with the association to ensure the successful implementation of the levy and the peaceful co-existence between PMAN and Stockholders.
Nancy Briggs
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