Desmond Elliot honored three friends on his birthday

A 51st birthday became a memorial moment when Desmond Elliot channeled his celebration into honoring three recently departed figures.

Birthday turns into tribute

• Desmond Elliot hit 51 on Wednesday.
• Bukky Coker, Gbenga Adenowo, and Omolara Obatolu received their tribute.
• Prayers for their families filled his message.
• Gratitude for life dominated the birthday post.

Social media exploded with wishes

• Fans flooded his timeline with prayers and blessings.
• One follower called him a future president.
• Industry peers like Ufuoma McDermott sent birthday love.
• Chioma Akpotha and Nancy Isime joined the celebration.

From Lagos roots to Nollywood stardom

• Born Feb. 4, 1974, Elliot started in Lagos TV soaps.
• Everyday People, One Too Much, and Saints and Sinners launched him.
• Over 200 films include Yahoo Millionaire and 30 Days in Atlanta.
• African Movie Academy Award nomination arrived in 2006 for supporting roles.

Politics and advocacy have defined recent years

• All Progressives Congress backed his 2014 entry into politics.
• Surulere Constituency elected him in the April 2015 general elections.
• Child illiteracy initiatives across Africa occupy his advocacy work.
• Fighting educational gaps turned into a priority for the lawmaker.