Veteran actress Joke Silva has expressed gratitude to Nigerians, friends, colleagues and well-wishers for standing by her family following the death of her husband, legendary actor Olu Jacobs.
Silva, in an Instagram message on Saturday, October 31, said the 40-day period following Jacobs’ death had passed and thanked everyone who supported the family through their grief.
She acknowledged the prayers, calls, messages, visits, thoughtful gifts and financial contributions made towards the funeral of the veteran actor, saying the gestures brought comfort to the family.
“The 40 days have come and gone, and as we reflect on this period, my family and I would like to express our deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to you all for standing by us following the passing of my beloved husband, Pa Olu Jacobs,” Silva wrote.
She also thanked those who honoured Jacobs’ life and celebrated his legacy as a husband, father, grandfather, colleague and friend.
Silva said the family did not take the outpouring of love and generosity for granted, describing the support as a source of comfort during a difficult period.
“We do not take your love and generosity for granted. We are truly humbled and deeply grateful,” she added.
Signing the message on behalf of the Jacobs family, the actress prayed for God to bless those who supported them, replenish their generosity and continue to strengthen them.
Jacobs died on September 16, 2026, at the age of 84.
His son, Olusoji Jacobs, announced his death and described the veteran actor as the “Lion of Lufodo”.
His funeral service was held on October 2 at This Present House, Freedom Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, following a Night of Tributes at Glover Memorial Hall on September 30.
Family members, government officials, colleagues and other figures from Nigeria’s entertainment industry attended the ceremonies.
Jacobs built a career spanning more than five decades across theatre, television and film. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before working in British television and international productions.
He later became one of Nollywood’s most recognisable actors, earning widespread acclaim for his portrayals of traditional rulers, chiefs and family patriarchs.
Jacobs and Silva, who married in 1989, co-founded the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, contributing to the development of Nigeria’s creative industry.
