REST IN PEACE! Days Before Nollywood Legend’s Death, See What He Was Caught Saying About Ancient Nigeria [VIDEO]
A recently resurfaced video of the late veteran actor Emmanuel France has reignited discussions about Nigeria’ s wealth during the 1940s. The Nigerian- born actor, who passed away last week, shared in an interview with MyNigeria. com how Nigeria was once a thriving multi- million- dollar country with abundant natural resources that could sustain its economy long before the discovery of oil.
In the video, France recalled how Nigeria led the world in the production of various agricultural products. ” Nigeria was a multi- million- dollar country with products like groundnuts. Nigeria was the greatest producer of groundnuts, and later the UAC (United Africa Company) brought a factory that helped the country become the largest producer of groundnut oil, ” he said.
He went on to describe how Nigeria was also the leading producer of other essential commodities. ” Nigeria was the greatest producer of palm oil, beany seeds, and hide and skin. Nigeria was very rich, ” France added, emphasizing that the country was prosperous before the discovery of oil.
This insight into Nigeria’ s past wealth, highlighted in France’ s interview, has sparked conversations about the nation’ s economic history, especially during the pre- oil era when agriculture was the backbone of the economy.
The news of France’s death was announced by Nigerian filmmaker Olufemi Ogedengbe on Monday, September 16, 2024, via his Instagram page. Ogedengbe paid tribute to the late actor, describing him as a Nollywood legend. ” Rest in peace to one of Nollywood’ s legends, Uncle Emmanuel France. One of the actors I took to Tanzania in 2006. We shot three movies together: *She Is My Sister, The Director, * and *Cross My Sin. * R. I. P, “he wrote.
Though the cause of France’s death remains unknown, his contribution to Nollywood and the entertainment industry is widely acknowledged. Starting his professional career in Ghana, Emmanuel France starred in numerous Nollywood films over the decades, becoming a beloved figure in the industry.
Some of his notable works include Cross My Sin, She Is My Sister, The Director, Narrow Escape, Witches, Silent Night, Exile, and many more. Fans and colleagues alike have continued to honor his legacy and recall his contributions to African cinema.
As the interview resurfaces, it serves as a reminder of the potential Nigeria once held and the significant changes in its economy over the years. Emmanuel France’ s insights on Nigeria’ s past economic strength, coupled with his extensive career, leave a lasting impact on those who remember him.