Tribute to the Village Headmaster: Goodnight, Justus Esiri, Sir.

Today Nigeria awoke to the news of the departure of legendary actor, Chief Justus Esiri, who passed in the late hours of Tuesday 19^th February 2013. Nothing could have prepared us for the loss of this great icon. Since his early days as the lead in the popular Sitcom, The Village Headmaster which aired in the 1980s, Justus Esiri has remained a favourite in Nigerian theatre, TV and film. An indigene of Delta State, Justus Esiri attended Urhobo College, in Effurun, Warri. He later went to Germany to study Engineering. It was there that he developed an interest in theatre. Between 1868 and 1969, he was the only male actor performing on stage. Indeed, he was performing on stage in Germany when a delegation from Nigeria invited him to perform in Nigeria in a Government sponsored program, and once he returned to his homeland, he never went back to Europe. Justus Esiri also worked for Voice of Nigeria VON, German Service as a translator. A skilled thespian, Justus Esiri, will be remembered for his eloquence and the artistic rigour he brought to every project he was involved in. In recognition of his contribution to society, he was also honoured as a Member of the Order of the Niger (MON). He is survived by his wife, accomplished fashion designer Omiete Esiri, and 4 children, including Dentist cum Singer-Songwriter, Dr. SID, (Sidney Onoriode Esiri). Connectnigeria.com commiserates with the Esiri family. May God grant you fortitude at this time, and may memories of the joy your patriarch brought to the lives he touched, comfort you. Rest well sir, we were blessed to have you, and your contribution to the African film industry will not be forgotten.