Veteran Nollywood actress Joke Silva has expressed heartfelt appreciation to Nigerians, friends, colleagues and well-wishers who supported her family following the death and burial of her husband, legendary actor Olu Jacobs.
Silva shared the appreciation message on her official Instagram page, @ajokesilva, on Saturday, October 31, 2026, reflecting on the 40-day period mentioned in her message and acknowledging the love and generosity shown to her family during their time of mourning.
The actress specifically thanked those who offered prayers, comforting words, personal visits, telephone calls, messages and thoughtful gifts. She also recognised individuals who made generous financial contributions towards her husband’s funeral, describing their support as something her family deeply valued.
Her message offered a personal account of the different ways people stood by the family following the loss of the veteran actor.
Joke Silva acknowledges prayers and financial contributions
In her message addressed to her Instagram followers as “Instafam“, Silva said the family remained grateful to everyone who supported them following Jacobs‘ passing.
She wrote:
“The 40 days have come and gone, and as we reflect on this period, my family and I would like to express our deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to you all for standing by us following the passing of my beloved husband, Pa Olu Jacobs.”
Beyond acknowledging public expressions of sympathy, the actress highlighted the practical and personal gestures that brought comfort to the family.
She explained that the support came in different forms, including prayers, visits, calls, messages, gifts and financial assistance towards the funeral.
“Your prayers, kind words, presence, calls, messages, thoughtful gifts, and generous contributions towards his funeral have meant more to us than words can adequately express. Every gesture of love, kindness and support brought us comfort and reminded us that we were surrounded by people who genuinely cared,” she added.
Her acknowledgement of financial contributions also highlighted an aspect of the support that might otherwise have gone unmentioned, as she publicly recognised those who contributed towards giving her husband a befitting farewell.
Silva did not disclose the amount received or identify individual contributors but made it clear that the family’s appreciation extended to everyone who gave their time, resources and support.
Actress celebrates Olu Jacobs’ life and legacy
While expressing gratitude, Silva also acknowledged those who helped her family celebrate Jacobs‘ life and remember his contributions as a husband, father, grandfather, colleague and friend.
The actress’ message went beyond thanking people for their condolences, recognising their involvement in the period leading up to and including the family’s final farewell to the actor.
“Thank you for honouring his life, celebrating his legacy, and standing with our family as we said our final farewell to a beloved husband, father, grandfather, colleague and friend,” she wrote.
Olu Jacobs, whose full name was Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, died on September 16, 2026, at the age of 84. His death brought an end to a career spanning more than five decades in theatre, television and film.
Following his passing, the family organised funeral ceremonies in Lagos, including a Night of Tributes on September 30 and a funeral service on October 2, 2026, where relatives, friends, colleagues and admirers gathered to pay their final respects.
The ceremonies provided an opportunity for people who had known and worked with the celebrated actor to honour his life and contributions to the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Joke Silva offers prayers to those who supported her family
Concluding her appreciation message, Silva reiterated that her family did not take the kindness and generosity shown to them for granted.
She described herself and her family as humbled by the support, while offering prayers for everyone who contributed in one way or another.
“We do not take your love and generosity for granted. We are truly humbled and deeply grateful. May God bless you and your families abundantly, replenish all that you have given, and continue to strengthen us all,” she wrote.
She signed off the message with “With heartfelt appreciation and love”, identifying herself as Ajoke Silva (MFR).
The message has provided an opportunity for the actress to publicly acknowledge the people who stood with her family during a significant period of personal loss.
For Silva, the appreciation extends beyond the funeral ceremonies, recognising the continued kindness of people who remembered her family, offered comfort and contributed towards honouring her husband’s memory.
Her message also reflects the importance of the relationships Jacobs built throughout his life and career, with support coming from people who wanted to celebrate his legacy while standing alongside his loved ones.
