AGN Unveils Junior Pope Nollywood City in Enugu as Lasting Tribute
The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has officially immortalized the late Nollywood star John Paul Odonwodo, widely known as Junior Pope, with the inauguration of the Junior Pope Nollywood City in Enugu State. This significant project, unveiled during a ceremony attended by guild leaders, actors, and creative industry stakeholders, serves as a heartfelt tribute to the actor who tragically passed away in a boat accident on April 10, 2024, while traveling to a movie location on the River Niger in Asaba, Delta State. The incident, which also claimed the lives of four other crew members, left the Nigerian film community in deep mourning.
Land Allocation and Project Details
The Junior Pope Nollywood City spans 150 plots of land in Enugu, designed specifically to provide affordable property ownership opportunities for movie practitioners. In a poignant gesture, the AGN has allocated one plot of land each to the three young sons of the late actor, ensuring a tangible legacy for his family. This initiative aims to address long-standing welfare concerns within Nollywood, offering a practical solution to the challenges of land ownership that many industry professionals face.
Creative Hub and Permanent Secretariat
Beyond the land distribution, the project will feature a Junior Pope Creative Hub and a permanent AGN zonal and Enugu State secretariat. These facilities are intended to foster training, administration, and creative collaboration, providing a physical space for nurturing the next generation of Nollywood stars. AGN National President Emeka Rollas emphasized that the city symbolizes more than just a memorial; it represents a vision for building lasting structures that benefit future creatives, promoting opportunity, unity, and remembrance across the industry.
Emotional Reactions and Legacy
Junior Pope's widow, Jennifer Odonwodo, described the unveiling as a deeply emotional moment, expressing gratitude that her late husband's hard work and passion for Nollywood are being honored. She noted that while she wishes he were alive to witness this recognition, his name will continue to live on through a project dedicated to uplifting others in the film sector. The AGN's commitment to member welfare is highlighted through this initiative, turning promises into concrete action and ensuring Junior Pope's influence endures in meaningful ways.
Background on the Tragedy
The boat accident that led to Junior Pope's death occurred near Cable Point on the River Niger, as he was returning from a movie shoot titled Another Side of Life. According to findings released by the National Inland Waterways Authority, the mishap was attributed to human negligence rather than mechanical faults, rough weather, or water obstacles. This tragedy has spurred the AGN to create a legacy project that not only honors Junior Pope but also addresses systemic issues within the industry, making the Nollywood City a beacon of hope and progress for Nigerian cinema.
