By OLUKAYODE BABALOLA

Ebuka Duru, son of late Nollywood actor, Francis Duru says his father’s greatest role was not in any movie or television series but as an ever present father and loving husband.

He made this known at a Candlelight Tribute programme held at the Nasarawa State University Keffi (NSUK) on Saturday in Keffi local government area of Nasarawa state.

Duru, aged 57 years, died on Oct. 23 following a brief illness, according to a statement by the family.

The Institute of Strategic and Development Communication (ISDEVCOM) who organized the Candlelight Tribute also held a procession, led by the Acting Director of the institute, Dr Daniel Chikada from the university gate into the university in Duru’s honour shortly before the candlelight tribute programme.

ISDEVCOM organize the programme in honour of Duru who was one of it’s doctoral student and scholars.

In his tribute to his late father,

Ebuka Duru praised his father for being a loving and ever present father despite his status and busy schedule.

He also appreciated him for being a loving father.

"His greatest role was not on television. It was being an ever present father and a loving husband. You were more than an actor. You were a teacher, a protector and a mentor.

"It hurts deeply knowing that the words I grew up hearing has become a memory, that the man I always look up to is no longer physically here and our lives will no longer be exactly the same again,” he said.

In her remarks, Prof Saadatu Liman, Vice-Chancellor of NSUK described Duru’s death as a sad moment for the university.

Liman, who was represented by Dr Amende Charles, Head of Department, Languages and Linguistics, said Duru was a blessing to the university because of his impact as a Nollywood actor studying in the university and his positive influence on fellow students.

"He was a veteran actor, producer and theatre director. He built an extensive portfolio in performing arts and communication.

"That is why he is a blessing to three departments – Theatre Arts, Mass Communication and ISDEVCOM,” she said.

Also speaking, Chikada urged students to emulate Duru, whom he described as hardworking, humble and always accessible despite his personality as a Nollywood veteran.

“He was unique and humble. Anytime you needed him, he granted you audience. He has done a lot in improving the value of this institution,” he said.

Prof Emmanuel Dandaura, former Executive Director of ISDEVCOM, described Duru as a friend, brother and dependable confidant, adding that his death was a personal loss.

Dandaura revealed that aside being a student, Duru played a key role in the development of the institute.

“He was there in difficult moments when there was more work than recognition. The institute has lost a critical stakeholder and co-developer,” he said.

Dr Ephraim Okon, President of ISDEVCOM Alumni, said Duru brought a blend of academic commitment and artistic talent to the university.

Okon, who was represented by Mrs Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, a doctoral student, said Duru was known as “celebrity scholar” among his fellow scholars yet deeply humbled and easily accessible.

“He remained humble and approachable in spite of his accomplishments. He was our dependable and ever-available Master of Ceremonies,” he said.