Nollywood in tears for Donald Okoli at night of tributes

Tears flowed endlessly at last Sunday’s solemn night of tributes organized for late actor/producer, Donald Nzubechukwu Okoli, at the national stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
Hugely attended by several of his colleagues in the industry, including A-list stars as well as his family members and well wishers, the gathering lasted late into the night.
The sombre gathering, which started with a turbo charged praise and worship session, also afforded some men of God the opportunity to pray ceaselessly for the embattled industry that has been plagued by deaths in recent times.
The tears continued when it was time to pay tributes to their departed colleague, whom many described in superlative terms. This was immediately followed by the well-coordinated candle light procession/observation.
In fact, several of the stars, especially the quartet of Stephanie Okereke, Oby Edozieh, Ngozi Ezeonu and Chioma Toplis, could not hold back their tears while paying tributes to the deceased who died on Friday, September 23, at the Yaba Military Hospital, Lagos, after a brief illness, at the age of 38.
With tears in her eyes, heart broken Miss Okereke, one of those that provided the funds for the event said she would always miss Donald. “It’s still very hard for me to believe that my good friend Donald is gone… God knows best and Donald will always be remembered by all of us that worked closely with him.”

In an emotion-laden voice, Miss Edozieh, one of the organizers of the night of tributes, who described the late entertainer as a, “brother and close friend”, said his untimely death was a big blow to the entire Nollywood.
“We must immortalize Donald in Nollywood; he was a selfless man and did his best to assist his colleagues whenever called upon. I still cannot believe he’s dead.”
Meanwhile, the remains of the late thespian who was survived by an aged mother and six siblings, was interred this Wednesday, at their Eziama, Amichi, Nnewi South LGA, Anambra State compound amid tears and wailings.