Sola Sobowale has revealed that late veteran actor Olu Jacobs personally trained her as she paid tribute to the Nollywood icon during his Night of Tributes and Service of Songs in Lagos.

The actress  made the revelation on Wednesday, September 30, at Glover Memorial Hall, Lagos Island, where family, colleagues and members of the Nigerian entertainment industry gathered to honour Jacobs, who died on September 16, 2026, at the age of 84.

Speaking during the tribute session, Sobowale said her reputation as an accomplished actress was partly shaped by Jacobs’ guidance and corrections during her career.

“When people see Sola Sobowale, they say she is a fantastic actor, but somebody trained me, and Baba Olu Jacobs was that person who trained me,” she said.

The actress recalled how Jacobs would correct her whenever she sought his guidance, repeatedly telling her, “Sola, no, no, no, no,” as he helped her understand the demands of acting.

Sobowale also remembered Jacobs’ encouragement of her work, recalling a time when he spoke positively about her acting in the presence of others and described her as a great actor.

Her tribute reflected a broader theme at the event, as several actors spoke about Jacobs’ influence on their careers and his approach to mentoring younger performers.

Richard Mofe-Damijo recalled Jacobs’ decision to return to Nigeria after establishing himself abroad, while Norbert Young spoke about working with him on The Third Eye and the lessons he gained from listening to the veteran actor.

Hilda Dokubo and Kate Henshaw also shared memories of Jacobs’ professionalism and generosity, adding to accounts of his influence on different generations of Nigerian actors.

Jacobs, whose career spanned more than five decades across theatre, television and film, trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before working in British theatre and television. He later returned to Nigeria and became one of the defining figures in the country’s acting industry.

He also co-founded the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts with his wife, actress Joke Silva, extending his work into film production and performing arts education.

At the Lagos tribute ceremony, Silva attended alongside their sons, Gbenga and Olusoji Jacobs, as colleagues and friends gathered to remember the actor popularly known as the “Lion of Lufodo.”

Jacobs’ funeral service is scheduled for Friday, October 2, at This Present House, Freedom Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, with a private burial to follow.