 |
| Iamge:X |
The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has taken a significant step to honour the memory of late Nollywood actor, John Paul Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope, by unveiling a housing project named Junior Pope Nollywood City in Enugu State.
The project, which comprises 150 plots of land, was officially unveiled during a groundbreaking ceremony held at Ako Nike, Enugu State, on Tuesday.
The initiative is aimed at immortalising the late actor while also promoting the welfare of Nollywood practitioners across the country.
As part of the gesture, the guild also allocated one plot of land each to Junior Pope’s three sons, ensuring that his legacy lives on through tangible support for his family. The allocation has already been completed and will be formally presented to their mother on behalf of the children.
Junior Pope tragically lost his life in April 2025, alongside four colleagues, after their boat capsized in the Anam River while they were returning from a movie shoot.
His death sent shockwaves through the Nigerian entertainment industry and sparked renewed conversations about safety and welfare within Nollywood.
Speaking at the event, the National President of AGN, Mr Emeka-Rollas Ejezie, described the unveiling as a historic moment and the beginning of a lasting legacy.
He noted that the project was dedicated to a man whose life represented discipline, excellence, and unwavering commitment to the Nigerian film industry.
“Though he left us too soon, his spirit continues to inspire us to build structures that will outlive us all. This project is the planting of a seed that will grow into shelter, opportunity, unity, and remembrance,” Ejezie said.
He further explained that the Nollywood City reflects AGN’s renewed commitment to the welfare of its members, stressing that actors have long contributed to Nigeria’s cultural identity without sufficient institutional support.
According to him, the project will provide Nollywood practitioners with access to affordable land ownership.
Ejezie also revealed plans to establish the Junior Pope Creative Hub, as well as permanent AGN Zonal and Enugu State Secretariats within the city. He said this would provide a physical base for training, administration, and creative activities in Enugu State.
Commending the AGN Enugu Chapter for initiating the project, Ejezie described Enugu as a historic hub for arts and culture, adding that the development would further strengthen its status.
He also expressed gratitude to the Enugu State Government, Cool Brains Real Estate, and the people of Ako Nike community for their support and cooperation.
The AGN National President-elect, Alhaji Abubakar Yakubu, pledged that the incoming leadership would prioritise the completion of the project.
On his part, Chairman of AGN Enugu Chapter, Brown Ene, said the land was acquired to improve members’ welfare and promote Nollywood’s image. He added that naming the city after Junior Pope was meant to encourage younger actors and honour those who serve the guild responsibly.
Reacting emotionally, Junior Pope’s wife, Mrs Jennifer Odonwodo, expressed deep gratitude to the guild for the honour and support extended to her children, describing the gesture as proof that her late husband’s impact on Nollywood will never be forgotten.
#ExclusiveUpdate
#ViralContent
No comments:
Post a Comment