By Tofarati Ige
The coal city of Enugu went agog on Sunday October 16 and Monday October 17, when the celebrated Nollywood comic actor, John Okafor, Mr Ibu turned 56. The birthday celebration began with a novelty football match at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu with actors taking on the All Stars FC of Enugu in a crucial match that ended 3-2 in favour of the All Stars FC.

The novelty football match which paraded  top artistes like

the celebrant himself, Mr Ibu, also featured Osita Iheme, popularly known as Pawpaw, as well as comedians, I Go Die and I Go Save. The well attended novelty football match which was hosted by Mr Ibu in honour of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi recorded a huge crowd who were all at the stadium to watch their favourite movie stars play football that lasted 60 minutes.

Mr. Ibu took the kick-off while Pawpaw was the one who did the handshake with both the players and officials before kick off. I Go Die, Mr. Ibu and Pawpaw all scored a goal each during the football encounter which was later followed by an all-night party in honour of the birthday boy, Mr Ibu at the Villa Toscana Hotels, Enugu where popular gospel artist, Felix Ndukwe sang a birthday song for the celebrant.

The next day which was Mr. Ibu's birthday saw the comic actor visiting the Abandoned Children's Home on Abakaliki Road, GRA, Enugu in company of his international manager, Okechukwu Nwuzor (Don Singles) who was the coordinator of Mr. Ibu's birthday as well as the novelty football match.

At the Abandoned Children's Home during his visit, the birthday boy, Mr. Ibu donated gift items to the home and also celebrated his 56th birthday with the in-mates at the Home. Prominent among the personalities that attended Mr. Ibu's birthday bash in Enugu are Mr. Franklyn Okafor aka Frank Nollywood who flew in  from London.

Others are,Talkative, Chief Ejiameta, actor Murphy, Rege Rege (Champions Rangers FC player), Oriaku from Kwara United FC, Mr. Tony (Mr. Ibu's PA}, the crew from Salt FM, Abakiliki and Dream FM, Enugu, as well as the CEO of Even-Though entertainment outfit based in South Africa.