By Habibu Ma’aruf Abdu
An interesting incident at the Awgu NYSC orientation camp, Enugu State, revealed to me the far-reaching popularity of Ali Nuhu in 2018.
It was the early evening glow at the camp. As we strolled back from the training ground, a young Ijaw lady approached me with a cool smile on her face;
“Brother, may I ask you a few questions, please?” she inquired.
“Why not?” I responded politely.
“Your platoon member, Oluwaseun, told me you are a Hausa from the North…”
I nodded my head in agreement: “Yes.”
“So, do you know Ali Nuhu?” she asked, her curiosity evident.
“Yes, I know him very well,” I affirmed.
Her face lit up with joy upon hearing my answer, and she muttered to herself: “No wonder!”
Curious, she continued, “Is he a brother to you…?”
Surprised, I responded, “Why this question? I know him as a famous actor. Nothing more. After all, who doesn’t know Ali Nuhu in the North? “
“Please don’t take offence; it’s just that I noticed a resemblance in your looks and actions…
“He is my favourite star. I love watching his films,” she added with enthusiasm.
From there, our conversation delved into a discussion about Nigerian cinema. I then discovered that the young lady knew no actor from Northern Nigeria besides him!
Ali Nuhu is probably the only Nigerian actor whose popularity transcends regional boundaries. His exceptional achievements in both Northern Nigeria’s Kannywood and mainstream Nollywood firmly established him as a pan-Nigerian superstar.
I once encountered a young man in a faraway village in Igbo land wearing a T-shirt adorned with Ali Nuhu’s image. Again, when I visited Kebbi state in 2013, their most frequent question was, “Have you ever met Ali Nuhu?”
I, therefore, deemed his recent appointment as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation by President Bola Ahmad Tinubu to be well-deserved. It is a testament to his dedication and significant contributions to the Nigerian film industry. Wishing the King of Kannywood continued success in this new position!
Habibu Maaruf Abdu wrote from Kano via habibumaaruf11@gmail.com.