Veteran actor, movie director, politician and lecturer, Samuel Dedetoku, popularly known by his stage name Sam Dede, turned 55 on Monday, November 30.

As a lecturer, the Rivers State-born movie star has tutored many Nigerian actors who studied Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt, among whom are Monalisa Chinda, Ejike Asiegbu, Rita Dominic, Bob Manuel Udokwu, Julius Agwu and others.

On the birthday of the bearded actor and teacher nicknamed as “Ebube” for his lead role in the film Issakaba, these top Nollywood stars and their other colleagues, took over the social media to celebrate the man who taught them the rudiments of acting, both in the lecture hall and on movie set.

Monilisa Chinda posted on her Instagram page:

“Happy birthday to my teacher who tolerated us even with all our drama in class, yet never stopped smiling. He showed us ‘recite and re-enact Mark Anthony’s eulogy in honour of murdered Julius Caesar... Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears...’ But he showed us that year oooo. Lols.

“Yes, he was my acting and speech teacher. We love you uncle Sam.”

Ejike Asiegbu wrote:

“Birthday greetings to my brother from another mother, Sam Dede! Passionate and intense teacher, humble with the heart of gold and an unapologetic drama king and interpreter of roles. I celebrate you my brother and wish you many more fruitful years ahead of you! Congratulations!”

Fred Amata, though a product of University of Jos (UNIJOS) posted:

“Sam Dede: Actor. Teacher. Director. Advocate. Believer. Fighter. Friend. Brother. Father. Husband. Uncle. Mentor. Sam Dede: ‘Winch’. Happy birthday. Enjoy your year, my ‘waterside man’.”

Segun Arinze, another UNIJOS product wrote:

“Oru gbeee eee Fine Man. Fine bia bia. Lols. A true thespian to the core. Since 1986 we became friends and professional colleagues you have stayed true to your art and principles. I celebrate you @samdedesdx. Happy birthday! God bless you more and more.”

To crown it all, the sitting president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Emeka Rollas said:

“Happy birthday @samdedesdx. Working with you as chairman of the National Disciplinary Committee of Actors Guild of Nigeria is an indication that you believe in this repositioning process of our noble Guild. Enjoy your new age and may God grant you all your heart desires.”