Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has condoled with the family of famous actor, Sam Loco-Efe and the government and people of Edo State over the death of the actor, last Sunday.
Reacting to news of the death of the actor, the Governor said it was shocking and saddening because Nigerians and the entertainment industry worldwide still looked forward to more and better performance from the actor.
He said that the actor would be greatly missed given that he was a bundle of talents and experience having practiced for about 47 years, adding that he was a true Nigerian whose acting predated Nollywood.
“We would not forget in a hurry Sam Loco’s ability to get our ribs cracking with laughter with his hilarious performances … Besides; he was a polyglot who did not only speak the major languages in Nigeria but could easily have passed as an indigene of any of the regions of the country”, Uduaghan Stated.
In the condolence message signed by Sunny Ogefere, Chief Press Secretary and made available to Blank NEWS Online, the Governor enjoined his colleagues and Nigerians in general to emulate the late actor’s diligence and commitment to duty.
Meanwhile, Delta state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr Richard Mofe-Damijo, described intense pressure in acting as likely cause of the death of the veteran actor, recalling that most Nigerian actors worked for endless hours without food or rest during production.
“Sam Loco’s death should make actors in the country to re-examine the condition under which they work. We rush to complete a whole load of work in a short period, doing so without food or rest. We stay in hunger, working for long periods and without even an hour break and after all that, actors don’t bother to go for medical checks.”
He said that Sam Loco brought joy to many homes through his acting, but regretted that he did not live long enough to enjoy his fame and goodwill.
“I grew up watching him and Jimi Solanke in drama programmes on television and indeed, Sam Loco was one of the models that made me to study Theatres Arts so I can be like him. I was lucky to have, after graduating from the university, shared acting moments with him. He was dedicated to acting and was a great influence on younger actors. He loved the theatre and his life was that of total dedication to the theatre.”
