[12] For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. [13] Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
I pray that the word of God will continue to shape our lives to be who he wants us to be in Jesus Christ mighty name ๐
Before Nollywood became the big film industry we know today, there were talented actors who helped lay the foundation for the Nigerian movie industry. One of them was Francis Agu, popularly remembered for his role as Ichie Million in Living in Bondage.
Francis Agu was born on 18 February 1965 in Lagos State to Fidelis and Virginia Agu, who hailed from Enugu-Ngwo, Enugu State. He was the seventh of eight children in a Catholic family.
He was an intelligent and quiet young man who attended Ladi-Lak Institute and St. Finbarr's College in Lagos before studying Mass Communication at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
Interestingly, acting was not where his journey began. While working at Nigeria Arab Bank, he developed his passion for the stage through the Yodrac Playhouse at St. Dominic's Church in Lagos. His talent was quickly noticed, and he went on to perform in several theatre productions.
Many Nigerians came to know him through the popular television series Checkmate, where he played Benny. However, his role as Ichie Million in Living in Bondage made him a familiar face across the country. The movie remains an important part of Nigerian film history and helped shape the home-video era that later grew into Nollywood.
Francis Agu was not just an actor. He also worked as a film producer and director, with productions including Jezebel, In the Name of the Father, A Divine Call, The Boy Is Mine and Body and Soul.
Sadly, his life was cut short. After falling ill in October 2006, Francis Agu died on 20 March 2007 at the age of 42.
Today, many people still remember him for the characters he brought to life and the role he played in the early days of Nigeria Nollywood.
Some actors leave the screen, but their work continues to live in the memories of those who watched them.
Francis Agu remains one of the faces worth remembering when telling the story of the early days of Nollywood. ๐๏ธ
May his memory continue to live on.
#FrancisAgu #LivingInBondage #IchieMillion #NollywoodHistory #IgboHistory
This photo was taken on their wedding day on September 10, 1961, and the ceremony was held in the Chapel of Resurrection on the University of Ibadan Campus.
Both Christie and Chinua had met while they worked at the Nigerian Broadcasting Service Enugu.
As a sharp guy, Chinua Achebe had sent her gift, flowers, and magazines after she had an appendectomy.
Chinua Achebe's second novel, No Longer at Ease, was dedicated to her.
Truly, love is sweet and beautiful when you find the right person.
He probably would have surpassed any poet of his time had he lived. But the call to defend his fatherland would not let him.
Writing about his gallantry Brigadier Nwawo said:
"Chris Okigbo had distinguished himself early in the war in Nsukka where he was credited with destroying a Federal Armored car with an energy grenade"
Soyinka who saw him when he came to Enugu to hold some talk with Ojukwu wrote in You Must Set Forth At Dawn:
"It was while waiting for my transfer to a hotel that Christopher Okigbo drove in, kitted for war - albeit in casual civilian clothing, but complete with rifle and ammunition belt- screeched to a halt in front of the station. He was coming from the front, the excitement of battle still fresh in his eyes".
He said he watched him load some guns and ammunition into his car and drove off. That was perhaps the last time he saw Okigbo alive.
"That was the last time I would see my excitable friend and poet Christopher Okigbo alive".
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