Respected thespian, Bukky Ajayi has passed on. The UK-trained actress died today at the age of 82. Her last function was at this year’s AMVCA awards where she gave a very moving acceptance speech after she was honoured with a lifetime award.

Wheelchair-bound, she broke down in tears and also expressed shock at the outpouring of love and standing ovation from the guests. “I wish I could stand up. But if I stand I will fall down. You all standing for me? Thank you, I am very grateful to you.” She said.

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Facts about the veteran actress

1. She was born a christian but converted to Islam in the early eighties and chose the name Zainab.

2. She left England and came back to Nigeria after her education in 1965 and started out working in Nigeria Television Authority(NTA) as a presentation assistant in 1966.

3. Afterwards, she became a presenter and then a news reader.

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4. She presented a couple of children’s programmes and ‘Nigerian’s Sketches,’ a programme which was all about Nigerian culture.

5. She was later transferred to Port Harcourt and later back to Lagos, and it was at that time she started her acting career.

6. She started with the ‘Village Headmaster’ in the 70s, and she later got a role in Amaka Igwe’s ‘Checkmate.’

7. She has featured in so many home videos and films some of which include Mother of George, Indecent Girl, Diamond Ring, Witches, Thunderbolt among others.

May her soul find repose. Amen.

Additional information from thenet.ng