Nollywood filmmaker Chico Ejiro was buried yesterday after his tragic death on Christmas day.
Ejiro, fondly called Mr Prolific, died on December 25, 2020, from a seizure at the age of 57. Following his death, he was laid to rest today in his family compound in Ozoro, Delta State.
In recognition of Chico’s immense contribution to the growth of the country’s film industry; colleagues, friends and family members packed into the National Theatre, the venue of the night of tributes to pay their last respects to the departed filmmaker.
Top Nollywood practitioners and stars, including Richard Mofe-Damijo, Desmond Elliot, Keppy Ekpenyong, Lancelot Imasuen, Zik Zulu Okafor, Francis Onwochei were in attendance.
Others were actress Uche Uwuji, Ada Ameh, Fred Amata, Emeka Ossai, Alex Eyengho, Mahmood Ali-Balogun, Paul Obazele; Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, Bond Emeruwa, Agata Amata, Victor Okhai, Fidelis Duker, Eddy Lawani; DG Censors Board, Alhaji Adedayo Thomas and GM, National Theatre, Prof. Sunday Dada among other dignitaries.
The event was anchored by Nollywood veteran Segun Arinze.
Popular gospel singer, Sammie Okposo drew the first tears from the crowd when he rendered Ejiro’s favourite songs. Thereafter, colleagues and friends took turns to pay tributes to the late film producer.
Chico’s wife, Joy Ejiro recalled how her husband died in her arms while fighting back tears. “This is still a rude shock! We had a lot of plans for Christmas, we spoke a lot about how the day would go. We were recounting how God has been good to us this past year and how grateful we are to be alive. I never knew it was going to be my last midnight gist with my love.”
Zeb Ejiro said Chico was not only his brother but his best friend. “You were not just a wonderful brother, you were my closest confidant. Chico, you were not just a gift to the Ejiro family. “
“You were a great gift to the creative industry, to Nigeria and indeed, the world. No matter how angry you were, you would always come back to say ‘let’s move on irrespective of what may have transpired. You were a rare poster child of peace,” Zeb Ejiro said.
Eugolising his virtues, Desmond Elliot described Chico Ejiro as an awesome filmmaker who inspired so many movie stars. Zik Zulu Okafor said Ejiro epitomised the creative genie of early Nollywood and the survival spirit that spurred their artistic race.
