The news of Victor Eriabie’s passing came to me as a profound shock. It compelled me, once again, to reflect on the fragile and unpredictable nature of human existence.

Victor Eriabie was a remarkable thespian—gifted with a rich baritone voice and a commanding stage presence. He was not only an actor and producer, but also a generous soul who understood the deeper responsibility of art: to uplift others. Yet he exited the stage of life under circumstances that painfully remind us of how swiftly fortune can change.

As the producer of “Izozo,” a film addressing the issue of women trafficking—written by Ebere Onwu and directed by Last Eguaevoen—Victor transformed cinema into a vehicle for empowerment. Through that project and others, he opened doors for many actors and crew members who might otherwise have remained unseen. Notably, Last Eguaevoen, known for the now-rested television series “Hotel De Jordan,” was among those whose visibility and relevance were strengthened through Victor’s platform.

Victor’s home was more than a residence; it was a sanctuary. It became a refuge for young artists still searching for identity and direction. Whether he lived in a modest apartment or later in a larger space in Ejigbo, he extended work, mentorship, and meals to those in need. His generosity was not calculated—it was instinctive.

He paid house rents for colleagues who owed him nothing. He created jobs where there were none. He gave gifts—sometimes even cars—to peers who least expected such gestures. If you found yourself at Abeigi in his presence, you rarely had to worry about settling the bill. His kindness flowed freely, without measure.

There is also a poignant and almost haunting symmetry in this moment. In a similar circumstance, the writer of Victor’s series, Ebere Onwu, passed away while his own mother’s body was still in the morgue awaiting burial. The same painful narrative has unfolded again. Victor’s mother passed in December 2025 and was scheduled to be laid to rest in April 2026. Yet, before that final rite could be performed, Victor himself passed away in the morning of 17th February 2026. Such parallels force us to confront the mysterious rhythms of fate and the sobering reality that life does not always follow the order we expect.

When the tide of fortune turned and hardship visited him, many who had once benefited from his benevolence were absent. Some distanced themselves; others disappeared entirely. It is a difficult but necessary truth that generosity does not always guarantee loyalty, and that gratitude can be as fleeting as prosperity.

In the end, Victor Eriabie’s passing challenges us to examine ourselves. How do we honor those who once stood for us? What does legacy truly mean—wealth accumulated, or lives impacted?

Victor Eriabie will be remembered by those who experienced his kindness and creative spirit. His life—brilliant, generous, and complex—remains a lesson in both the nobility and vulnerability of the human condition.

Adieu, “AreaBooz.”