RMD celebrates Joke Silva at 65, honouring her decades of pioneering work in Nollywood and her enduring contribution to Nigeria’s creative industry

Veteran Nigerian actor Richard Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, has celebrated actress and director Joke Silva on her 65th birthday, praising her decades of pioneering work and enduring contribution to Nigeria’s creative industry.

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RMD shared the tribute on his verified Instagram account, describing Silva as his “younger sister” while reflecting on a friendship and professional relationship that has lasted for more than 40 years.

The veteran actor’s message also acknowledged the personal grief Silva is experiencing following the death of her husband, fellow Nollywood icon Olu Jacobs, who died on September 16 at the age of 84.

“Even as you mourn the love of your life, Uncle Jay, we are reminded of yourMD said Silva’s contribution to the entertainment industry and the lives she has influenced over the years could life of grace, your dedication and your love of not just family, but your craft and your country,” RMD wrote.

RMD said Silva’s contribution to the entertainment industry and the lives she has influenced over the years could not be easily measured.

He also described it as a privilege to have witnessed Silva’s journey and to celebrate the woman she has become.

Silva, who has built a career spanning theatre, television and film, is regarded as one of the prominent figures in Nigeria’s performing arts.

Her work has extended beyond acting into of Lufodo Productions, which she established with Olu Jacobs.

The company has contributed to Nigeria’s theatre and film landscape through stage productions and screen following the death of Jacobs, her husband and long-time creative partner.

The couple were among the most recognised partnerships in both celebration and remembrance, recognising Silva’s professional achievements while acknowledging the loss that has marked close professional bonds formed among some of Nigeria’s earliest modern screen and theatre practitioners.

Their careers have intersected across a period in which Nollywood and the wider Nigerian entertainment industry grew into an internationally recognised cultural not only her longevity but also the influence of her work on Nigerian theatre decades, the birthday provides another moment to recognise a remarkable and enduring chapter directing, producing and arts education.

She is also the co-founder of Lufodo Productions, which she established with Olu Jacobs. The company has contributed to Nigeria’s theatre and film landscape through stage productions and screen projects.

Silva’s career has stretched across several decades, during which she has remained active across different generations of Nigerian performers.

Her 65th birthday comes at a deeply emotional period following the death of Jacobs, her husband and long-time creative partner.

The couple were among the most recognised partnerships in Nigerian theatre and film.

RMD’s tribute therefore carried both celebration and remembrance, recognising Silva’s professional achievements while acknowledging the loss that has marked this period of her life.

The relationship between RMD and Silva also reflects the close professional bonds formed among some of Nigeria’s earliest modern screen and theatre practitioners.

Their careers have intersected across a period in which Nollywood and the wider Nigerian entertainment industry grew into an internationally recognised cultural force.

As Silva marks 65, the tribute from RMD highlights not only her longevity but also the influence of her work on Nigerian theatre, television and film.

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For an actress whose career has continued across more than four decades, the birthday provides another moment to recognise a remarkable and enduring chapter in Nigeria’s creative history.