LAGOS, Nigeria — Bisi Olatilo, a veteran broadcaster, has called on professionals in Nigeria’s entertainment industry to offer their services free of charge during the upcoming burial ceremonies for the late music icon Onyeka Onwenu.
Onwenu, a beloved singer, actress, and broadcaster, passed away on July 30, 2024, after a performance at a birthday event in Lagos.
Dr Olatilo, who is the chairman of Bisi Olatilo TV, made this appeal in a statement where he expressed his admiration and respect for Onwenu’s contributions to the industry.
He emphasised that offering free services would be a fitting tribute to the legacy of a woman who gave so much to the entertainment world without expecting anything in return.
“Nobody should charge for any service(s) for the funeral of iconic broadcaster, singer, and actress, Onyeka Onwenu,” Dr Olatilo urged.
“They should not charge for any services for her funeral as a lasting honour for our friend and colleague of all times. Those who can’t provide free services should give way.”
Olatilo also shared his observations about the ongoing arrangements for Onwenu’s funeral, stressing the importance of honouring her with the utmost respect and generosity.
“I have followed closely arrangements to give Onyeka Onwenu, OFR, the best burial ever because she has most deservedly earned it,” he said.
“It will be an absolute disservice and most unfair to Onyeka Onwenu, who gave her highly professional services free of charge to the entertainment fraternity, for a kobo to be charged for the production of a befitting documentary in her honour.”
He called on fellow broadcasters to volunteer their time and skills in producing a tribute documentary, noting that it would be a well-deserved parting honour for Onwenu.
“There are many broadcasters among us who should be happy to do this as a well-deserved parting honour for Onyeka Onwenu. I repeat: NO KOBO should be spent on the production of a documentary for Onyeka Onwenu.”
Dr. Olatilo also encouraged those serving as MCs at the various planned events to do so free of charge, reflecting Onwenu’s generosity and commitment to the industry.
“All those who will serve as masters of ceremonies at all the events being planned should do it free of charge to honour Onyeka Onwenu, who was our esteemed professional colleague,” he added.
Further extending his appeal, Dr Olatilo suggested that all media organisations—radio, television, and print—should cover the funeral events both before and after without charging any fees.
“In the same way, all radio, television, and newspaper organisations should cover all the events pre and post-free as a lasting honour to Onyeka Onwenu. We should be loyal to our friends till eternity,” he continued.
Onwenu’s passing has left a significant void in Nigeria’s cultural and entertainment landscape, and Dr Olatilo’s plea reflects the deep respect and affection many held for her.
As plans for her funeral continue, the entertainment community is urged to come together in a final act of solidarity and tribute to one of their own.
