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Justus Esiri

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Justus Esiri was a very important actor from Nigeria. Many people call him a pillar of Nollywood. Nollywood is the name for the Nigerian film industry. He was a star in many TV shows and movies. One famous role was in a show called The Village Headmaster. He also played a character named Obierika in the film Things Fall Apart.

Esiri worked very hard to learn his craft. He was born in Oria-Abraka in Delta State. He went to school at Urhobo College in Bendel State. Later, he traveled to Germany for higher education. He studied at Maximillan University in Munich. He also went to the Prof. Weners Institute of Engineering in West Berlin. Finally, he attended the Ahrens School of Performing Arts in 1968.

His career path was quite unique. While he lived in Europe, he worked as a translator. He helped people by translating for the voice of Nigeria in Germany. Then, the Nigerian government sent him an invitation to come home. They wanted him to star in The Village Headmaster. This was how his big acting career truly began.

Esiri won many prestigious awards for his talent. He won Best Actor at the 9th Africa Movie Academy Awards. This award was given after he passed away for his role in Assassins Practice. He also received the Goodluck Jonathan Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013. The Nigerian government gave him a high honor called Officer of the Order of the Niger. This honor was for his work in film-making.

He left a large legacy for his family and country. Esiri died in a Lagos hospital on February 19, 2013. He died from complications related to diabetes. Many people came to remember him. The Actors Guild of Nigeria held a tribute night at the National Stadium. His son is a musician named Dr Sid. Esiri's life showed how much one person can do for art.

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