Esiri for burial in April

By Sam Eyoboka

Body of one of the most talented actors in Nigeria, late Justus Esiri who died on February 19, will be laid to rest in the third week of April in his home town, Abraka in Delta State.

According, to the spokesman of the Esiri, Mr. George Esiri, an international photo journalist, the family after the round of consultation, has despatched a delegation to Abraka to conclude arrangement for date and time of the interment.

“As soon as that is done, the family will release details of the programme for everyone to see,” he said, appealing to Media to be patient with the family.

*Late Esiri

Mr. Esiri, father of popstar, Dr. Sydney Esiri, also known as Dr. Sid, regarded as one of the legendary players in Africa’s Film industry, rose to prominence following his role in the popular TV series, Village Headmaster. He was born in November 1942 in Oria, Abraka in Delta State.

According, to a brief biography posted in IMDB website, “Mr. Esiri attended Urhobo College, Warri and later travelled to Germany to study engineering where he developed interest for theatre. Thus he began his acting career on stage in Germany.

“He was the only Nigerian male performing on stage in the years 1968/69. He also worked for Voice of Nigeria, VON, German Service as a translator. He was performing on stage in Germany when a delegation from Nigeria invited him to perform in a government-sponsored programme, when he went to Nigeria, his homeland, he never went back to Europe.

“His fame was launched widely for his role in the ever popular African TV series, the Village Headmaster where he played the role of the headmaster,” it stated, but accounts record that he also attended Catholic Secondary School in Warri before proceeding to Maimillan University in Munich, Germany in 1964.