President Bola Tinubu has expressed condolences following the death of veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru, who passed away at the age of 57 after a brief illness. The presidency confirmed the news in a statement released on Friday, October 23, by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Presidential Tribute to Francis Duru
In the statement, President Tinubu described Duru's death as deeply painful for Nigeria's film industry and its broader creative community. He acknowledged the actor's decades-long contribution to Nigerian cinema, noting that Duru's body of work would remain a permanent part of Nollywood's history and Nigeria's cultural heritage.
Tinubu also prayed for the peaceful repose of the actor's soul and called on God to bring comfort to Duru's family, friends, colleagues, and admirers. The President's message underscored the lasting impact of artists who dedicate their lives to entertaining, educating, and inspiring society.
Family Announcement and Public Reaction
News of Duru's death broke in the early hours of Friday, October 23, when his family shared an announcement on his official Instagram page. No further details on the cause of his illness were made public at the time. The announcement triggered an outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues across the country.
Among those paying tribute was Nollywood actor and politician Desmond Elliot, who posted on social media: "A true thespian has gone home." Elliot's tribute was part of a broader wave of condolences from the entertainment industry.
Tinubu Affirms Commitment to Nollywood
Beyond his personal tribute, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration's commitment to recognising the role of the arts and entertainment industry in national development, cultural preservation, and the projection of Nigeria's image on the world stage. The presidency used the moment to restate its support for the creative sector.
The full statement from the presidency was also shared on NTA's official X (formerly Twitter) handle, according to the report.
Prophecy Resurfaces After Duru's Death
Following Duru's passing, an old prophecy by Prophet Abel Boma about impending deaths in Nollywood resurfaced online, stirring reactions among fans and social media users. The prophet reportedly delivered the warning on June 13, 2026, urging movie stars to organise a thanksgiving service to avert further losses in the entertainment industry.
Abel Boma reportedly stopped short of naming the next person who might be at risk, explaining that revealing the individual's gender could lead people to narrow their prayers to a particular group. Following Duru's death, the prophecy has attracted renewed attention, with fans revisiting the message and discussing the prophet's call for collective prayers for Nollywood.
