At an elegant event center in Lagos over the weekend, Nigerian actors and industry stakeholders gathered to celebrate Jide Kosokoa true legend of Nigerian cinema who turned 70 years old.
Amid glitz and glamour, the venue was transformed into a gathering of notable figures from the Nigerian film industry, politics and business, among others, where colleagues, friends and fans showered love on the veteran actor through heartfelt tributes. .
Veteran actresses and actors like Taiwo Hassan, Kunle Afod, Yinka Quadri, Dele Odule, Adebayo Salami, Saidi Balogun, Femi Adebayo, Lizzy Anjorin, Iya Awero and others graced the birthday celebration.
Excitement and nostalgia filled the air as guests shared memories of Kosoko’s iconic roles and recounted personal experiences working with the legend.
Jide Kosoko, then and now
The celebration featured emotional speeches, moving musical performances and a surprise dance number by Kosoko himself, which left everyone in awe. The stage was perfectly set and the spirit of Nigerian cinema came to life to honor a living legend.
With over 40 years of experience as an actor, he celebrated his enduring legacy and deep affection within the Nigerian film industry.
As a renowned Nigerian actor, director and producer, he played vital roles in numerous films.
Actor Saidi Balogun, who spoke about his acting prowess, described him as a mentor, a light and the brain behind his acting career.
Kosoko, according to him, brought him to fame by giving him the opportunity to play a lead role in ‘Pakute’, a film directed by the celebrant.
Veteran actor, Jide Kosoko
Furthermore, he stated that the celebrant influenced his career, taught him how to fight and hailed him as the best in the film industry.
“You are my glory because I learned a lot from you. When I came from Kwara State fighting, you discovered me and molded me into who I am today,” she expressed.
Veteran actor Adebayo Salami played Kosoko as a friendly and lovable human being everyone would love to meet and associate with.
Salami highlighted that the celebrant stands out in the organization and is accommodating to everyone around him.
orientation light
With over 40 years of acting experience, Kosoko’s guidance has illuminated the path to success with unwavering wisdom and foresight.
This statement captured veteran actor Taiwo Hassan’s thoughts on him.
Reflecting on his time on set, Hassan emphasized that it is impossible to overlook the actor’s immense impact on his career, the industry and the realm of leadership.
Jide Kosoko, then and now
He described his leadership style as a perfect combination of strength and compassion that had shaped not only the entertainment industry but also enriched the lives of those who were fortunate enough to work alongside him.
“As I join many who raise our glasses today to celebrate seven extraordinary decades of your life, Omo moronfolu, omo kosoko, on this important birthday, I want to express your deep gratitude for your contributions to my growth, the advancement of our industry and the legacy of leadership that you have created. Their resilience, vision and dedication are an inspiration to us all.
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“As we enter this new chapter, may you find joy as you reflect on the victories and lessons learned from the challenges. Here’s to celebrating the years that have passed and the promise that lies ahead. May the tapestry of your life continue to be woven with threads of success, happiness and fulfillment.
“I wish you a year filled with all the goodness that this new era has to offer: health, joy and countless moments of love and laughter,” he said.
More than an elderly person
Similarly, actor Dele Odule described him as an excellent and valuable supporter whose mentorship guided the entertainment industry through its nuances with wisdom and grace.
He stated that Kosoko was not only a senior colleague, but also a great friend, brother and excellent support.
He said: “On this particular day, may you be surrounded by love, laughter and appreciation for all those whose lives you have touched. May the next act of your journey be filled with continued success, good health, and the fulfillment of dreams yet to be realized.
“Here’s to celebrating 70 incredible years of life, art and friendship! AA May this year be the beginning of another chapter full of joy, adventures and the fulfillment of all your aspirations.”
Veteran actor, Jide Kosoko Living legend of the film industry
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, celebrated the veteran actor alongside his colleagues.
Sanwo-Olu described Kosoko as a living legend in the film industry in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, on Saturday.
The governor described the actor as a good ambassador and a proud Lagosian. He highlighted how he had used his vast experience and talent to bring joy to millions of homes by participating in various films.
“On behalf of my wife, Ibijoke, the government and people of Lagos State, I join family, friends, associates and fans in congratulating Prince Jide Kosoko on his 70th birthday celebration.
“Prince Jide Kosoko is a veteran Nollywood actor who has used acting as a tool to spread joy in many homes within and outside the country. He has contributed immensely to the growth and development of the entertainment industry. “We thank God for gracing the life of Prince Jide Kosoko and for using acting as a tool for a good cause in our society. “He is a role model for thousands of young Nigerians in the film industry,” the statement added.
Children’s praise
Along with colleagues and supporters, the actor’s children described him as a warrior, a supporter, a mentor and the strong background behind his success.
On her Instagram page, Temi Kosoko shared a beautiful moment between father and daughter. She said her dad was fantastic and one of the strongest people she had ever met.
Furthermore, actress Shola Kosoko stated that her father was a hard-working prince and the best father she could ask for.
She prayed that the birthday would bring her dad everything he had long wanted and told him, “You will continue to get stronger.”
Furthermore, Bidemi Kosoko described his father as a great support and mentor. She noted that she was at a loss for words when describing his father’s parental roles.
Veteran actor, Jide Kosoko Jide Kosoko
Celebrating his life, he thanked God for keeping him alive until his septuagenarian years.
The septuagenarian said that those who lack the spirit of the current times bear all its difficulties.
Kosoko also said that with each passing year, he becomes an even more amazing human being.
Background
Born on January 12, 1954, he began acting as a child actor in 1964 in a television production called Makanjuola.
Since her debut, Kosoko has actively participated in numerous Nollywood films in English and Yoruba.
In recognition of his dedication to a career spanning over five decades, the Abuja International Film Festival nominated him in 2021 for Outstanding Male Actor in Love Castle.
Born into a royal family in Lagos, the actor gained popularity during the video cinema era. In 1992, he produced his film “Asiri n la” and starred in Tunde Kelani’s “Asewo to re Mecca” and “Ti Oluwa Ni’Le part 2”.
Kosoko, who studied Business Administration at Yaba College of Technology, has contributed to Nollywood with his impressive filmography.
Some of his notable films, such as “Doctor Bello” (2013), “The Figurine: Araromire” (2009), “No Luck” (2015), “Last Flight to Abuja” (2012) and “Diamond Ring”. (1998), shows his talent.
Their impactful contributions entertain audiences and play a crucial role in shaping the Nollywood landscape.