Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has described the death of the Nollywood actor, Obumneme Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope as a great lost to the state and the nation.
The governor in a statement issued by his Commissioner for Information and Communication, Aka Eze Aka, said the state has lost one of its most talented sons, describing his death as heart wrenching.
The Actor’s Guild of Nigeria confirmed his death on Thursday, leaving the Nollywood community in deep sorrow as they recall and honour his contributions to the industry.
Jnr Pope who hailed from Ukehe in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu state alongside three of his colleagues, lost their lives in the tragic boat accident on River Niger while returning from a movie location on Wednesday.
“Indeed, the death of Jnr Pope came at a time Enugu state is working so hard to develop the creative potential of its youths for self reliance, employers of labour and export of their talents outside the shores of Nigeria.
Mbah expressed deep regrets that such talented, young Nigerians could lose their lives in such unfortunate circumstance.
The governor commiserated with the bereaved families, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and the entire Nollywood industry on the loss of their members in an ill fated boat accident that occurred along the River Niger.
He promised that the state shall work in concert with the family to ensure a befitting burial for the late movie icon.
Junior Pope began his Nollywood career in 2006, working his way up from supporting roles to global fame.
Renowned for his versatility, he effectively switched between roles, playing characters ranging from bodyguards to villains, earning accolades such as the Nollywood Most Promising Actor in Nigeria award in 2010.
Junior Pope demonstrated his exceptional talent in over 150 films, gaining recognition at prestigious events such as the Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice (AMVC) Awards and the Africa Movie Academy (AMA) Awards.
He left behind his wife and three kids.
Meanwhile, the Enugu State Government has opened a condolence register for Nigerians to pay their tributes to the fallen Nollywood Star.
The Commissioner said the condolence register would be opened at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Information and Communication, State Secretariat, Enugu effective Monday, April 15, 2024.