Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, last Wednesday in Lagos paid tribute to late Nollywood star, Zainab Bukky Ajayi, describing her as a role model who never lost her soul as Muslim faithful in spite of finding herself in make-believeplatform.
The minister made the remark while speaking at the 8th Day Fidau Prayer for the the artiste, organised by the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society of Nigeria (NASFAT).
Speaking at the event, which took place at Lagos State Government Secretariat Central Mosque, Alausa, Ikeja and was attended by Nollywood actors, including Jide Kosoko, Dele Odule, Yinka Quadri, Ayo Badmus, among others, the minister said the late Nollywood actor lived a balanced life given the level of attendance of personalities from all walks of life and the remarks made of her by individuals who spoke.
“I think the striking thing about her life is that she made her name and popularity in the make-believe platform. She never lost her soul in the process.
“She lived between two compartments, her public image and her private life and I think a testimony to that is what we have here today as many people from the Nollywood and also from the Islamic faith gathered here in her honour, which means she lived a balanced life,” Mohammed said.
President of NASFAT, Bolarinwa Okanlawon, in his remark, described the late Ajayi as a devout Muslim, saying, “Mama stood for her religion at every occasion and she was always doing what is right.”
Okanlawon, who recalled the good old days when the late artiste was still working with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), said late Bukky Ajayi also believed in justice.
Jide Kosoko, while paying his tribute, described her as an embodiment of talent and a mother indeed, who he said was always insisting in having things done well at locations.