Bob-Manuel Udokwu has shared his thoughts on Idris Elba‘s casting as Okonkwo in the upcoming TV adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s classic novel, ‘Things Fall Apart’.

Elba, the British actor, will reprise the iconic role previously played by ace Nigerian actor Pete Edochie in the 1971 and 1987 adaptations.

But in an interview with Channels TV, Udokwu said he believes Nigerian actors could bring a deeper understanding to the role.

“There is this conversation about Idris Elba being cast to play the role of Okonkwo in Hollywood’s make of ‘Things Fall Apart’,” he said.

“I don’t have anything against that as an actor but I think we have top-class actors in Nigeria who can play the role even better, knowing where the story is coming from.”

Udokwu emphasized the importance of collaboration between Nollywood and international film industries to expand the country’s global reach.

“We need more collaboration. I said this years ago that Nollywood has come of age. We don’t have to do anything more to prove to the world we the world-class talents,” he said.

“…What Nollywood needs now is collaboration and it beginning to happen. We need to have more and more collaboration with our counterparts in Europe and North America.

“That is the path to follow now and I believe that it is beginning to happen gradually and we will eventually get there.”

Jerry Amilo, the Nollywood actor, has laid his 14-year-old daughter to rest.

Chidera, Amilo’s daughter, passed away on October 4. The film star announced her death in a heartfelt tribute via an Instagram post.

He said her death left him “speechless” and took a “part of me away”.

“You took a part of me with you. I’m so speechless,” he wrote.

In a follow-up Instagram post on Friday, Amilo shared a video from the funeral service.

In the video, the film star could be seen wearing a black outfit, and standing in front of the coffin while some women were praying and singing.

Amilo also said his final farewell while praying for her in the accompanying caption.

“Goodnight my angel. May your soul rest in perfect peace amen,” he wrote.

The cause of Chidera’s death was, however, not disclosed. Celebrities and fans have offered condolences in the post’s comment section.

Her death comes some weeks after she returned to Nigeria after being away for two years.

In August, Amilo shared a video of himself picking up his daughter at the airport while expressing joy over her return.

Odesanmi Opeyemi, the TikTok celebrity better known as Oloba Salo, has been shot by an unknown gunman in the Lekki area of Lagos state.

The incident occurred on Thursday evening, with witnesses claiming Salo was attacked while driving his white SUV around Tantalizer junction, Lekki.

A viral video shows the aftermath of the attack, with a voice claiming, “This is Salo’s car you can see it yourself. You think it is a joke. This is his blood here”.

The video shows the content creator’s vehicle with two bullet casings on the driver’s seat and bloodstains.

Passersby claimed an individual posing as a beggar approached Salo’s vehicle and opened fire when he rolled down his window.

Salo’s brother also shared a video from the hospital showing the TikTok celebrity receiving treatment.

Salo has reportedly been shõt 3 times. The bvllet is said to have affected his kidney & pelvic. I hope he survives 🥴 pic.twitter.com/vstP1liXU7

— OLAMIDE 🌸💖 (@Olamide0fficial) October 10, 2024

Benjamin Hundeyin, Lagos police spokesperson, confirmed the incident to TheCable Lifestyle on Friday.

Hundeyin said Salo is receiving medical attention. He added that the police have commenced an investigation into the matter.

“I can confirm that the incident occurred. He is receiving medical attention and the investigation is ongoing,” he said.

Salo is popular for his controversial commentaries on social media.