President Muhammadu Buhari has sent a congratulatory message to stage and screen icon, Olu Jacobs.

Mr Jacobs will clock 80 years of age on July 11.

Femi Adesina, the president’s media adviser relayed the message on Sunday in Abuja.

He felicitated the Jacobs’ family, including the wife, also a renowned thespian, Joke Silva, and their friends on the auspicious occasion.

According to him, the occasion calls for thanksgiving for God’s care, guidance and protection.

Mr Buhari affirmed the influence of the veteran actor on the film industry, setting a standard of professionalism that had attracted global recognition and awards.

He said such awards included the Lifetime Achievement Awards conferred on him in 2016 by African Movie Academy Awards.

The president noted Mr Jacobs’ ingenious ability to interpret roles, simplified complex issues and bringing messages to the understanding of both young and old, levelling cultural, ethnic and religious barriers to become a household name all over the country and beyond.

Mr Buhari also believed Jacobs’ natural tendency to counsel, inspire and instruct easily earned him the roles, while appreciating his foresight in winning many into the profession and guiding them to stardom.

He prayed that the Almighty God would grant him better health, longer life and steadfastness in service to the arts, God, and humanity.

(NAN)