Five books for Mr Thompson Abu at 60
1) Trends in Nollywood - A study of selected genres. Having studied Theatre Arts at the University of Ibadan under the tutelage of the great Professor Adelugba, Mr Abu still carries theatre in his heart. An excellent theatre critic, he is wont to watch a Nollywood movie or a stage drama and tell us the beauty, the flaws and what they could have done better. My television career benefitted immensely from his advisory and he was part of many of my successes in the field. The benefits of his experience, both in the media and in theatre have been some of the nuggets that have made me who I am. He is never shy of telling you how something could be better done and has constructive criticism at every turn. Ayokoroma’s book on Nollywood is a fitting tribute to Mr Abu, considered by many as an informal director of any Nollywood movie he has watched, and truly, we have learnt from this master of both screen and stage. The book by Ayakoroma x-rays the evolution and development of the thematic pre-occupation of Nollywood movies, particularly in its first 15 years.
2) The Bible: It would be hard to not mention the good book when saluting Mr Abu. A dye-in-thewool catholic, he is to be found in church offering his supplications every day at 7.30 am at the Nuncio, except if he is ill or has travelled. Apart from his family and friends, his other family are church members wherever he worships. We are indebted to him as a family for his continuous prayers over us.
Any book on loyalty. Mr Abu is very loyal to his friends and family.
Any book on kindness: This is one of his greatest weaknesses. He will always tell you to give everyone the benefit of doubt. Any book on health. We refer to him as the alternate Doctor. Any book on Engineering. Many people think he is an Engineer because of his ability to unravel any technical gadget, television, computers, music set etcetera.