For obvious reasons and some other reasons best known to some, most of the achievements and exploits of actor cum producer Yomi Fabiyi are kept silent and never litter the social media or blown out louder for the world to see and know. We took a personal tour into several archives and previous events in the last five years and what we found is quite astonishing. We are still in shock why so much was not heard, maybe the ace actor just don't like attention.
DUTY OF CARE: A vivid look into his selfless and humanitarian exploits towards his colleagues in time of needs are outstanding. We stumbled on several materials and efforts during the time Madam Remi Abiola passed on in the United States and needed to be flown back home. While Nigerians abroad helped with finances over there, Yomi Fabiyi was seen doing everything possible back home to ensure befitting honour for the late veteran.
During veteran actress Ngozi Nwosu, this was in the era of BlackBerry. We could recollect vividly his dedication to ensuring the effort put together by Seun Oloketuyi pull through. He sent multiple messages more than any artiste to gather support.
A quick reminder of same efforts during veteran actor's Kayode Odumosu a.k.a Pa Kasumu predicament. He was vividly seen mobilising help alongside others and about few artistes that did follow up visit on the ailing actor in the house the Ogun State Governor gave him then.
And fast forward to when sultry actress Moji Olaiya passed away in Canada leaving behind a daughter and a two months old baby girl. It was quite expensive to convey the body and child back home. Yomi Fabiyi was seen alongside others to see that this was done. He was part of the group of actors who toiled day and night to get the attention of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Quite obviously was his role during actress Toyin Aimakhu-Abraham's several ordeals. Yomi Fabiyi took it upon himself 2years ago to challenge NDLEA on the treatment given to Baba Suwe. He was about the only actor who took a very firm stance to ensuring the veteran actor and comedian gets justice. He gives his all to his colleagues and industry.
When Alfa Lateef a.k.a Itakure passed away. Despite the fact he was to be buried on same day according to Islamic rites in far away Oyo State, images of that day spotted Yomi Fabiyi among other artistes present to pay final respect. And months later when a movie was to be shot to raise funds for his children,actors and crew volunteered to participate on pro-bono, Yomi Fabiyi was equally available. Same can be said when mama Buki Ajayi passed away. Less than 10 stars were present and Yomi Fabiyi was one of them to pay last respect.
In 2015, Yomi Fabiyi single handedly wrote a protest letter to Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board on the ill-treatment given to producers and intellectual property owners after meeting all the requirements. Producers don't get censor certificates issued in their name except the name of a distributor is picked. An infringement of the right of the content owner. This was corrected but little or nothing was said about this yet producers enjoy the freedom.
During PIRACY RALLY organised by Kunle Afolayan, Yomi Fabiyi was vividly seen in the campaign and rally.
Another noticeable exploits which bothers on care in the industry is that Yomi Fabiyi's movies of late tries to bring back some old actors, some of whom are totally jettisoned. This not only bring food to their tables, it really bring some wellness to the veterans who may have assumed they no longer relevant. That is a huge high for us personally.
Stumbled on some images between Yomi Fabiyi and Kemi Afolabi in the United States. Kemi Afolabi had asked Yomi Fabiyi to stay back and tour the states for her movie premiere. Lo and behold, several images were seen on the actress social media page with them flying from one state to the other.
Yomi Fabiyi is outspoken and blunt. He speaks to defend his colleagues against anything or anyone no matter the gender, status, organisation or relationships. He simply care about most of them. If we had not written this, perhaps someone else might think we do not observe or we are silent about it too. More reason we will assume not everybody is deliberately silent about his selfless actions on duty of care. But our collective silence is not doing any good.
AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS:
Best Actor Award: in 2016, he played the lead in the movie METOMI. And when his name came up as a nominee for Best Actor in Leading Role alongside other top actors, little will wonder if he will ever make it. Lo and behold, he won. We saw the movie and left with no choice than accept the verdict of the BON AWARDS JURY. It was a deserving honour.
Yomi Fabiyi clearly made a statement and distinguish himself as one of the best role interpreters. Nobody really argued his award but it was equally met with less celebration. In 2017, he won Best Actor in Supporting Role at AFRICAN FILM AWARDS in London.
Best Movie and Producer: In 2016, it was equally noticed he won Best movie and best producer with City People Entertainment Awards. 2016 was truly a year for Yomi Fabiyi. He won best Yoruba Movie Produce Award at the prestigious Yoruba Movie Gist Awards 2018.
He has been nominated and won African Film Awards for three times. We doubt if there is any actor or filmmaker with such feat. In the last five years, he has been given awards in several universities and polytechnics.
In other words, Yomi Fabiyi has won all available awards and left with just few to complete his feats.
HUMAN RIGHTS AMBASSADOR WITH US EMBASSY: Three Nigerians made the final list for Human Rights Ambassador honour by the US Embassy, Lagos and CRALI. Yomi Fabiyi was the only artiste that made it in the movie industry. He was decorated alongside Simi and the former minister Oby Ezekwesili. They were decorated inside the US Embassy in Lagos. Little was heard of this but the right attention and celebration was not given. We still do not know why the actor did not call for celebration.
Just this year in February 2019. Yomi Fabiyi through his Human Rights NGO organised a 2day Human Rights Summit alongside Amnesty international at Sheraton Hotel. In one of the posts relating to the event, Yomi Fabiyi stated that he put up the event with his own personal money and little contributions from his fans and friends. That path he chooses to give back to the public is not an easy one.
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