The popular Nollywood actor writer and comedian one of the most talented comic characters in the industry, John Okafor popularly known as mr Ibu was born on 17 October 1961.
John who had a rough and terrible childhood came from a poor family, infact, they were the “Poorest” in his village in Enugu state. He once worked as a firewood seller, an hair dresser and a butcher to feed his family.
He hails from Nkanu West L.G., Enugu State. After elementary school, in 1974, Okafor moved to Sapele to stay with his brother, after his father’s demise. In Sapele, he did menial jobs so he could sponsor himself to school and support his family. He then worked as a hairstylist, ventured into photography and also worked in a company that produces crates.
After secondary school, he was admitted into the College of Education, Yola, but pulled out due to financial difficulties. He later enrolled in the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) as soon as he was financially able to.
His acting career began in December 3, 1978 when he started as a Continuity in movies in his words:
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The issue is that I had never seen myself coming in front of the camera. I was initially involved in Continuity, not until the directors and producers started persuading me to come on board to act
He is. Mr Ibu is known to have written Ngozi: Abeg Marry Us (2003), Ibu in London (2004), Honeymoon Guys (2015) and some other comedy films.
John Okafor is a talented actor, who left martial arts to follow his passion. He rose to prominence after starring as Ibu in Mr Ibu and Mr Ibu in London in 2004.
Mr Ibu over the years have carved a niche for himself in the industry because of the kind of roles he play. In an interview, he said “professionally, I am an Idiot.” He said, his roles have opened several doors that he never envisaged. He is known for something and he is super good at it.
John is currently married to Stella Maris Okafor – actress and model.
His hobbies include driving, cracking jokes, playing draft and watching football.
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Okafor worked in Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS). While he was there, he was casted in the soap opera Ogbu Anyanwu and Kwere Kira. Also, he was once a martial artist. He practised Shotokan Karate for 16 years and got a black belt in 1983.
Also, Mr Ibu is a member of the Karate Federation of Nigeria. According to him, he was the first instructor who taught Karate in federal government colleges in Nigeria.
John Okafor was once a trader. He collaborated with some of his friends. They bought fairly used shoes, shirts, medical equipment et.c from Niger and sold them in Nigeria.
Firstly, Okafor starred in a soap opera at the Anambra Broadcasting Service. Later on, he began professionally as a production assistant. While doing that, he learnt the rudiments of film production while diligently working with the producers.
In the process, producers started discovering his comic side. He was specifically discovered by Alex Ezeamaku, the MD, Zalex Production. Alex gave John a role in 1997.
Okafor acted as an imbecile and played the role to the delight of the directors. Thereafter, he began to star in movies and was drawing comedy inspiration from Nkem Owoh, Zebrudaya and co. Today, he is a gallant actor and has starred in hundreds of movies.
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As a producer, Okafor produce movies yearly. He is known for producing Mr Ibu, Naomi, Allegations and other comedy movies.
Mr. Ibu has featured in many movies such as:
- Agony, 1998
- Vuga, 2000
- Police Recruit, 2003
- Nicodemus, 2003
- Unbreakable, 2004
- Mr Ibu in London, 2004
- The Councillor, 2005
- Joshua, 2005
- The Return of Mama-G, 2006
- The Journalist, 2006
- Toronto Connection, 2007
- Keziah, 2007
- The Tusk of Life, 2008
- Mental Case, 2008
- Yahoozee Prophets, 2009
- Most Wanted Kidnappers, 2010
- Open & Close, 2011
- Honeymoon Guys, 2015
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Okafor has been awarded as the Best Comedian by the Governor of Enugu State. He was also awarded best comedian by Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards. His other awards include;
According to nollylibrary, Okafor is worth $4.2 million. He is one of the most popular Nigerian actor. Also, he was endorsed by Merrybet and Gotv in 2014.
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