It was a day to cherish as the esteemed actor, Bob-Manuel Udokwu, was honoured with a Doctorate Degree in Arts and Culture by Institut Superieur De Communication Et De Gestion (ISCG) University in Cotonou, Benin Republic on Saturday, August 27.
The coveted award featured top-notch industry professionals acclaimed and celebrated internationally.
Bob-Manuel Udokwu who serves as the Special Adviser on Entertainment, Leisure and Tourism to Anambra State Governor Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo was the cynosure of all eyes at the award ceremonies.
The award is richly deserved because Udokwu’s acting excellence has transcended the borders of Nigeria and gone ahead to win international prestige. Udokwu was obviously the star attraction at the occasion with guests openly applauding his exploits in Nollywood.
Udokwu who was only recently elevated to the knighthood of the Anglican Communion by Archbishop Alexander Ibezim in his native Anambra State has earned deserving plaudits as a much sought-after Thespian who excels on stage and in television and the film industry.
A theatre graduate of the University of Port Harcourt who enjoyed the tutelage of the legendary Professor Ola Rotimi, author of the classic play The Gods Are Not To Blame, ranks as one of the founding figures of Nollywood for his role in the watershed movie Living in Bondage.
He has acted in uncountable movies and has equally directed and produced remarkable box office hits. A mentor for many up-and-coming actors and actresses, Udokwu is amply endowed with purpose in his multiform undertakings.
He is well-schooled not only in dramatic arts but also has a Master’s degree in Political Science, specialising in International Relations.
At a recent double-barrelled celebration of his birthday and knighthood anchored on the top floor of the exquisite Mr. Smith rendezvous in Awka, Anambra State by the inimitable emcees Sacramento and Shedrack, the personable Udokwu gave voice to his determination to make Anambra State the entertainment destination in Nigeria.
Being the irrepressible actor that he is, when asked to take to the stage to dance, he insisted on making an entrance from the back door and dancing through the seated audience before gracing the stage with his riveting dance steps. The dramatic entry of Bob-Manuel brought the entire audience on stage in a spraying spree of cash and ennobling camaraderie.
The MD/CEO/Editor-in-Chief Sir Chuka Nnabuife of Anambra Newspapers and Printing Corporation, publishers of National Light, Ka O Di Taa and SportLight, on whose board of directors Bob-Manuel Udokwu serves as a distinguished member, describes the actor as “the actor’s actor and the leader of men.”
Like the archetypal Greek author and epic poet Homer, Bob-Manuel Udokwu encapsulates grace in delivery. He is a class act as a committed Thespian.
He readily recalls the story his great teacher and playwright Prof Ola Rotimi narrated in class of a nearly blind old man who always carried a lantern even in broad daylight. According to Ola Rotimi, even as the old man could not see with the lantern he continued to hold it aloft so that people would not bump into him.
“The Lantern” then became a catchphrase between Ola Rotimi and his students at the University of Port Harcourt.
As Bob-Manuel Udokwu shines forth like the lantern, the world can never ever fail to take notice of him and his lionised deeds.
He shines in limelight as the Special Adviser on Entertainment, Leisure and Tourism to Anambra State Governor Soludo, and he is ever so deserving of celebration as the gift of Anambra State – the Light of the Nation – to Nigeria and the world at large.
The honour of a Doctorate Degree in Arts and Culture by Institut Superieur De Communication Et De Gestion (ISCG) University in Cotonou, Benin Republic adds cubits to his already immense achievements.