Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of renowned Nollywood actor, Dr Alexx Ikenna Ekubo Okwaraeke, describing his passing as a huge loss to Abia State, Nigeria’s entertainment industry and millions of admirers across the world.
Governor Otti made the remarks during the funeral service of the late actor held at the Mary Slessor Technical College Ground in Arochukwu Local Government Area and conducted by Streams of Joy International.
The Governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, said the deceased was more than a celebrated entertainer, noting that he served as a cultural ambassador whose talent projected the image of Abia State and Nigeria on the global stage.
He said Ekubo’s life embodied resilience, creativity and excellence, adding that his journey from Arochukwu to becoming a household name across Africa and beyond remained a source of inspiration to young people.
“Alexx possessed that rare gift of connecting with people. Through his performances, he brought joy to homes, inspired young people, and demonstrated that with discipline, dedication and excellence, dreams can be achieved.
“His success story remains a powerful testimony to the resilience, creativity and ingenuity that characterise the people of Abia State.
“He carried his roots with pride and never ceased to identify with the land of his birth. In him, the youth of our state found a role model who dared to dream and worked tirelessly to turn those dreams into reality.
“His life reminds us that true greatness is not measured solely by fame or achievement but by the positive impact we make on the lives of others.
“To the Nigerian creative industry, we acknowledge the enormous vacuum Alexx’s death has created in your midst. Although his voice has been silenced, his works will continue to speak”, Governor Otti said.
The governor urged the deceased’s wife, the Ekubo-Okwaraeke family, the people of Arochukwu and members of the Nigerian creative industry to remain strong and take solace in God, and prayed for divine comfort and strength for all affected by the loss.
Delivering a sermon titled, “Please Forgive God”, Pastor Mrs Eno Jerry-Eze reminded mourners that nothing happens without God’s knowledge and permission.
She urged Christians to continually examine their lives, stressing that a day would come when everyone would give account of their stewardship on earth.
In a moving tribute, the deceased’s elder sister, Mrs Kelechi Ekubo-Otusi, described her late brother as a humble, caring, loving and God-fearing man who devoted his life to God and humanity.
The late actor, who died at the age of 40 following complications arising from advanced metastatic kidney cancer, was widely recognised for his contributions to Nollywood and his influence on a generation of young Nigerians.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs Anuli Ekubo-Okwaraeke, parents, Mazi Alex Oji Ekubo-Okwaraeke and wife Evang. Mrs Jane Mmerechi Ekubo-Okwaraeke, siblings and other relatives.
The funeral service which featured special prayers for the bereaved family, drew a large gathering of mourners, including the member representing Arochukwu State Constituency, Hon. Uchenna Okoro Kalu; the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Mr Matthew Ekwuruibe; senior government officials, Nollywood actors and sympathisers from across the country.
