SIXTY HEARTY CHEERS TO THE ‘KING OF COVEN’
By Odusanya Omowonuola
Age is strictly a case of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”- Jack Benny.
This is the case of veteran actor, Anayo Modestus Onyekwere popularly known as Kanayo O. Kanayo who recently clocked 60. If you were never told you wouldn’t have guessed his correct age because Anayo seems to be looking younger as his age progresses. The Nigerian actor and lawyer made his debut movie appearance in 1992 in the film Living in Bondage.
He has starred in over 100 films and has spent over two decades in the Nigerian film industry. He was nominated in 2008 for African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in the movie “Across the Niger“. Anayo has continued to be relevant in the Nollywood industry even up till this moment. His most recent movies are Up North and Living in Bondage: Breaking Free. He is currently a United Nations ambassador and bears the title of MFR.
The birthday celebrant in celebrating his diamond jubilee started the day with a prayer of thanksgiving in a video he shared on his verified Instagram page . He was in a kneeling position as he read from the Bible and prayed for himself and his fans. “As I thank God today 1st of March , my birthday. I have prayed for myself and I also prayed for you as a friend, brother, sister, neighbor and I pray for you and myself again, he Lord shall fight for you and you shall hold your peace. You shall find favor and good understanding to the side of God and man” . Kanayo concluded the prayer by saying: “For the Lord had said in His words, I know the thoughts that I think towards you; thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
“That’s my prayer for myself today and that’s my prayer for you. That the Lord in His might and mercy shall give us an expected end. Happy birthday to me at 60. Thank you for being there. God bless you.” he said
The veteran actor also visited the house of God at the St. Molumba Catholic parish, New Haven, Enugu to offer his thanksgiving at the Church. Anayo had a list of activities lined up to celebrate his 60th birthday and this included his visit to the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu. This was a major highlight of his birthday as he said that he hopes the visit enhances civil-military relationship. The major general in charge of the division, Major General T.A Lagbaja also thanked the celebrant in the video shared on his Instagram page for his contributions to National Development by helping to foster relationship and cooperation among the frontline across the nation.
The veteran actor also went down memory lane, as a novelty football match was played between the two primary schools he attended; Army Children’s school and New Haven primary School Enugu. Anayo was all smiles as he pupils and teachers in the school were seen singing for the him to wish him a happy birthday.
Finally, the father of four and Mbaise, Imo state born actor released a birthday appeal video on his Instagram page a day after his birthday, appealing to the President of Nigeria for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the indigenous people of Biafra.
He said “On the occasion of my 60th birthday, I want to make an appeal as a son and patriotic citizen whose industry contributes to the GDP. This is not an appeal orchestrated by people to lend voices. For it is common in our clime for people to urge celebrities and popular people to lend their voices to national issues or growing concerns. I’m not lending my voice, I’m deeply pained by the loss of life ,wanton killings and general insecurity in the land.” The veteran actor pleaded with the president to release Nnamdi Kanu so that things can go back to normal in the south east geographical region.
Kanayo o kanayo has however continued to bask in the wishes and prayers from fans and colleagues on his birthday as he also has been sharing pictures and video of his diamond jubilee celebration on his social media platforms.
Picture credits- internet
