By Milcah Tanimu

Amid the widespread recognition of his talent, the recent announcement of his passing at the age of 62 has stirred reflections on his life, highlighting his commitment to pursuing happiness through various endeavors.

In a December 2007 interview with PM News, resurfaced by the online newspaper archives, Archivi.ng, Mr Ibu shed light on his journey into acting, revealing that he embarked on this path at the age of 18 in the late 1970s. His interest in acting was sparked by his grandfather, a remarkable comedian, and was further fueled by his exposure to television programs like “Hotel de Jordan” on Bendel State Television.

Mr Ibu recounted his early days in the industry, sharing, “Later, I was doing something in Anambra Broadcasting Service and when the state was split, we had MBI at Onitsha and was anchoring a programme called Ayonocha on the station then.”

Despite starting acting at a young age, Mr Ibu considered his role in the movie “Agony” (1997) as his breakthrough moment. This came before the iconic “Mr Ibu” film that propelled him to widespread fame, immortalizing a fictional character that became synonymous with his name.

Prior to his ascent in Nollywood, Mr Ibu engaged in various occupations. Before his breakthrough in the film industry, he traded in electronics, leveraging skills gained from attending a technical school. He also ventured into boxing, albeit briefly, until a humbling defeat led him to abandon the sport.

“I did photography, hairdressing, and music,” Mr Ibu disclosed during the 2007 interview, underscoring his diverse interests and pursuits. “You see, something inspires me in every sphere of life I find myself,” he added.

Throughout his career, Mr Ibu showcased his comedic prowess in over 200 films, earning him a place as one of Nollywood’s most beloved comedians. His legacy will endure as a testament to his multifaceted talent and unwavering dedication to his craft.