Nigerian fans have a way of celebrating stars, showering encomium on them, hanging around to get autographs, pictures…bla bla bla…especially when the going is good. When the star’s light undergoes the “dimming process”, they immediately abandon them for those in vogue. Unfortunately, those that take the silent path for a long time (without having good investments) run into a brick wall. Then a call for help comes from the ex-stars (as people now call them) and one wonders how it all went wrong.
James Udensi Akwari Iroha (aka Gringory Akabuogu), veteran actor/comedian of “The New Masquerade fame of the 80’s” was caught in the “neglected web” spun by the spiders of glaucoma and poverty. For the new generation that don’t have a clue about the programme, it was one of the comedy programmes back then (apart from Aluwe, Koko close, Second chance, Bassi & Co) amongst others that lit our lives with laughter. The cast included Chief Zebrudaya Okoroigwe Nwogbo alias 4.30 (Chika Okpala) who stars in Kunle Afolayan’s latest movie Phone Swap, Chief Jegede Shokoya (late Claude Eke), Clarus (Davis Offor, who is presently blind), Apena (late Christy Essien Igbokwe), Gringory, (James Iroha himself), amongst others. The concept of Masquerade, which later became The New Masquerade was James idea.
He retired as the acting Director-general of the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State (BCA) with the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) National Award in his kitty (which was conferred on him during the Shehu Shagari administration). Prior to his demise, Gringory was reported to have been living in abject poverty. One of the daily papers on January 21, 2012, had described him as “old, sick, poor, blind and dying gradually” based on the lowly state he revealed to them.
The veteran actor had towed the appeal line calling on the Nigerian government to come to his aid…but did they accede to his request?. Certainly not as he kicked the bucket at the age of 70 still in the same state having spent over 40 years on set as a professional. It’s a shame that the Nigerian government can allow this man who lit up our lives with smiles to wallow in penury until his death… shame on them!…what do you think?
9aijabooksandmovies
This is totally senseless. ,How can you say that james died of abject poverty? This is an insult to the family. And we won’t take it lightly with you if continue this way.
Thank you Kelechi for reacting to this bit of news. We understand the fact that as the icon’s son (whom we have great respect for) reeling out this sort of information does not augur well with you. The report however stems from the news he granted one of the dailies. Let me reiterate the fact that we have not in anyway put up this news to ridicule,undermine the status of the late icon,as there have been cases of veterans who have been beguiled with certain problems and the Government was not responsive. It’s meant to sound as a clarion call to the Government on the need to stand by veterans in times of crises. We solidly honour and respect the great icon.We would appreicate it if you tell us your side of the story about the life of the late icon before his death, thereby dismissing all alleged news/rumours of his financial status. Thank You
Refinancing existing loans like free debt helps is a strongly credible source for obtaining
the wanted info. For consumers, there are some strict criteria applied to large loans that are known as pre-computer loans.