The Creative Industry Group (CIG) on Thursday urged Nigerians to celebrate artistes when they are still alive.
Felix Duke, President of CIG, made the call while paying tribute to late Elizabeth Evoeme, popularly known as Ovularia in the 1980s TV sitcom, ‘The New Masquerade’, who died May 7, at the age of 81.
Duke while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos said the late Ovularia was well respected and loved by the group.
According to him, the group celebrated Ovularia before her passing as she was visited at her home in Port Harcourt, with gifts and award.
He, however, urged every Nigerian to always honour, appreciate and celebrate artistes while alive to enliven their lives and make them enjoy some sense of belonging.
“Ovularia was a woman we had so much respect for, we grew up watching and listening to. She was appreciated by CIG.
“We took it upon ourselves to visit her in Port Harcourt as crusaders of celebrating good character and those who have contributed to the growth of the industry.
“We gave her an award and a token from our heart to show appreciation for her contributions to the growth of the creative industry.
“Nigerians should also emulate this, celebrate artistes while they are alive.
“So, I am happy that we celebrated Ovularia while she was alive, she was a woman all of us fell in love with. May her soul rest in peace,” he said.