Nigerian film star Alexx Ekubo dies aged 40
Nollywood star Alexx Ekubo has died at the age of 40, the family announced. They did not provide additional information about the cause of death; the funeral will be held in Lagos. The actor was one of the leading names of African cinema, with an award-winning career.
The death of Alexx Ekubo, one of the leading faces of Nigerian cinema, at the age of 40 was announced in a statement by his family on Wednesday. The family said it would not share additional information about the cause of death and asked for privacy to be respected. Colleagues from the industry shared condolence messages on social media.
Ekubo, who began his international career in 2008, appeared in more than 50 Nollywood productions over the past decade and won the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Award twice. The actor frequently spoke at social-responsibility campaigns inside the country and worked with foundations supporting youth education.
The Information Minister, on behalf of the Nigerian government, issued a statement of condolence praising the actor's artistic legacy. The funeral is scheduled for next weekend in Lagos; industry representatives have called for a week of mourning to be declared for Nollywood. The actor's family plans to announce a formal schedule for condolence visits.
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