The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has launched Junior Pope Nollywood City in Enugu State, a development made up of 150 plots of land created to immortalise the late Nollywood actor, JohnPaul Odonwodo, widely known as Junior Pope.
As part of the initiative, the guild allocated one plot of land each to Junior Pope’s three sons in recognition of their father’s contributions to AGN and the Nollywood industry.
Junior Pope died in April 2025 alongside four colleagues after their boat capsized on the Anam River while they were on a movie set.
At the groundbreaking ceremony held on Tuesday at Ako Nike in Enugu State, the National President of AGN, Mr Emeka-Rollas Ejezie, described the project as a historic milestone and the foundation of a lasting legacy.
He noted that the city was established in honour of the late actor, whose life reflected discipline, excellence, and a strong passion for Nigeria’s film industry.
“Though he left us too soon, his spirit continues to inspire us to build structures that will outlive us all.
“It is the planting of a seed that will grow into shelter, opportunity, unity, and remembrance,” Ejezie said.
He explained that the project symbolised AGN’s commitment to the welfare of its members, stressing that actors had long shaped Nigeria’s cultural identity without sufficient institutional backing.
“Today, we say clearly that the welfare of our members is not a slogan – it is a responsibility. Through this project, Nollywood practitioners will have access to affordable land ownership.
“The Guild will establish the Junior Pope Creative Hub and permanent AGN Zonal and Enugu State Secretariat.
“This means training, administration, and creativity will now have a physical home in Enugu State,” he explained.
Commending the AGN Enugu Chapter for spearheading the initiative, Ejezie said Enugu’s long-standing role as a hub for arts and culture would be further strengthened by the project.
“We are particularly grateful to the Enugu State Government for embracing Nollywood and recognising the creative industry as a vital pillar of economic growth and youth employment.
“I thank our partners, Cool Brains Real Estate, and the people of Ako Nike Community for their trust and cooperation,” he said.
The AGN National President-elect, Alhaji Abubakar Yakubu, assured that the incoming leadership would treat the project as a priority.
Speaking on the project, the Chairman of AGN’s Enugu Chapter and initiator of the initiative, Brown Ene, said the land was secured to enhance Nollywood’s image and improve members’ welfare.
“So this is part of our progress in making sure that members of our guild
have an affordable home in Enugu and
we are naming it after our brother who died in a boat mishap to further immortalise him.
“It is also to give encouragement to the younger actors showing them that the more you keep projecting the image of the organisation and being responsible enough, the guild will definitely do things to remember you.
“Junior Pope’s three sons will have plot of land each and the allocation has already been done and will be presented to their mother on their behalf,” Ene said.
In her response, Junior Pope’s wife, Jennifer Odonwodo, thanked the guild for honouring her late husband through the project and for providing plots of land for their children.
“It’s indeed a great day, even though it’s a day filled with mixed feelings and emotions.
“I wish he were here and still being honoured, but I’m happy it’s happening.
“It’s proof to show that indeed he truly lives on because while he was here, he worked so hard for the industry,” she said.
Nollywood mourned the loss of renowned actor Junior Pope, who tragically passed away while en route to a movie shoot.
Filmmaker Sam Olatunji shared the heartbreaking news, revealing that Junior Pope, along with three others, lost their lives in a boat accident.
Many of his fans struggled to come to terms with the news, as the lively actor seemed his usual self just a day before his passing.
Renowned for showcasing his family and diligently portraying his movie characters, Junior Pope was not only a celebrated movie star but also active in creating skits that captivated his audience. He was 39 years old.
In the last days of December, Nollywood lost actress and producer Allwell Ademola, who passed away at the age of forty-three.
Reports suggested that she died on Saturday, December 27, 2025.
News of her death spread quickly across social media, which saw several actors took to their platforms to express commiserate with her family.
Actress Fathia Williams shared the sad news on Instagram, posting, “Haaaa. This hit me so bad. Eniobanke. Allahu Akbar.”
Damola Olatunji also reacted by sharing a candle image with the words, “Life is a mirage,” while Mide Martins posted a photo of Ademola on Facebook accompanied by a tribute.
Bidemi Kosoko responded with disbelief in an emotional Instagram post, openly rejecting the news.
“No way. No, no, no. Ko possible ooo. This isn’t true. God forbid, in Jesus’ name. I refuse to accept this one Lai Lai. God forbid. Olorun oni je,” she wrote. She went on to plead for a response from the late actress, adding, “Just reply to my message, abeg, oremi/aunty mi. I will wait patiently for your reply.”
Information circulating within the industry suggests she collapsed at home and was taken to a hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
Nigerian actor, content creator and influencer Odira Nwobu is dead.
According to his lawyer Chukwujiekwu Chukwudi and the Guild of Nigeria, who spoke to the BBC, the actor who died on Monday, November 25, died in South Africa at the age of forty-three (43).
The cause of the death is yet to be known but Chukwujiekwu Chukwudi has revealed that an ambulance was called to Nwobu’s hotel in the town of Benoni, near Johannesburg, after he was discovered alone in his room “gasping for breath”
Adding that, Paramedics attempted to keep the actor alive using a defibrillator, but he died at the scene before they could take him to the hospital.
While his family is yet to comment on the matter, many Nigerians and fans have expressed shock online.
Odira Nwobu was born in Nigeria’s south-eastern state of Enugu in 1982.
He was in more than 60 films during his lifetime and was well-known for his comedic persona and babyface.
He landed his first professional role – in a film called Joseph the Dreamer – straight out of secondary school.
He told the BBC News Igbo in 2021 that he enjoyed a successful career but often felt boxed into the same kinds of roles that pushed him toward creating online content, where he felt he had more creative freedom.
On TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, he built a large audience, gathering hundreds of thousands of followers.
According to Emeka Rollas, president of the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria, Nwobu was in South Africa at the time of his passing with a team of social media influencers promoting a Nigerian-owned real estate company.
His lawyer was also on the trip, serving as the legal adviser to the Nigerian firm that arranged the visit.
“[We] were shocked to receive calls from Nigeria to confirm the passing away of the young man, while we were still debating how to break the news to his family,” Mr Chukwudi said.
Nollywood actor Duro Micheal also died in October this year.
The news was shared in a social media post by Nigerian film producer Stanley Ontop.
The deceased is said to have been bedridden for a period of time before his demise.
Details of the exact cause of his death are not yet known; however, his colleagues have confirmed that he had struggled with his health in recent months.
“Nollywood actor Duro Michael has kicked the bucket. He died a few days ago after battling a terminal illness. May his soul rest in peace,” Stanley Ontop, in his tribute, stated.
Months ago, renowned Nollywood actor and distinguished academic, Dr. Columbus Irosanga, sadly passed away.
Actress Hilda Dokubo announced the news on her Instagram account on Thursday.
In her heartfelt message, she wrote, “There can’t be a shortage of Angels in heaven that the few here are called home like this na! This one is heavy on Uniport, Rivers State, Nollywood.”
She continued, “Our uncle Coli @colu_mbusirisoanga has gone to be with the Lord. Ikoli eh dein na mu.”
Originating from Okrika in Rivers State, Dr. Irosanga became a household name for his compelling performances as chief priests in Nollywood films.
He is especially remembered for his unforgettable portrayal of “Igbudu” in the 2001 hit film, Isakaba.
His extraordinary acting skills garnered him numerous prestigious awards, such as Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), Best Actor in a Drama at the City People Entertainment Awards, Most Promising Actor in Nigeria at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), and Best Actor in a Leading Role at the Best of Nollywood Awards.
Beyond his film career, Dr. Irosanga was a respected senior lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt, where he played a pivotal role in mentoring many budding actors.
He is survived by his spouse and children, though the circumstances surrounding his death remain undisclosed. His passing represents a profound loss to both the academic and entertainment sectors in Nigeria.
In 2024, veteran Nollywood actor Emmanuel France passed away at the age of 80, leaving a void in the entertainment world.
The circumstances surrounding his death were not disclosed at the time.
The sad news was confirmed by filmmaker Femi Ogedengbe, who honored France’s memory in a heartfelt social media tribute.
Ogedengbe reflected on the joy of collaborating with him on various projects, including a notable trip to Tanzania in 2006.
Together, they worked on several films, such as Cross My Sin, She is My Sister, and The Director.
Born in Ghana, France was widely admired for his gentlemanly nature, humility, and respect for others.
His infectious warmth and vibrant personality endeared him to both colleagues and fans alike, making him a cherished figure in Nollywood.
One of his lifelong aspirations was to produce the film Ghana Must Go, a project that remained close to his heart but sadly never materialized.
Throughout his prolific career in Nollywood, France’s wit, charisma, and immense talent made him a beloved actor.
His passing represents a great loss to the Nigerian film industry, and he will be sorely missed by all who were fortunate enough to know and work with him.
France leaves behind a lasting legacy of elegance, professionalism, and invaluable contributions to African cinema.
Right around the same year, the legendary Joe Zulu Adigwe, a titan of the Nigerian film industry, reportedly bid adieu to this mortal coil, leaving behind a legacy that’ll be remembered as long as there are screens to watch movies on.
The exact cause of his departure from this world remained a mystery, with his family keeping tight-lipped on the matter. But one thing’s for sure: his absence has left a Zulu-shaped hole in the hearts of fans and fellow actors alike.
From the silver screen to the small screen, Zulu Adigwe made his mark with his unforgettable performances in countless Nollywood flicks. Whether he was making us laugh, cry, or sit on the edge of our seats, he knew how to command attention and steal the show.
But it’s not just his acting chops that’ll be sorely missed; it’s the warmth, the charisma, and the sheer presence he brought to every role. The outpouring of love and tributes flooding in from fans and colleagues is a testament to the impact he had on so many lives.
As we bid farewell to this Nollywood icon, we can’t help but reflect on the other stars who’ve left us too soon. Since the dawn of 2024, the stage lights have dimmed for several other beloved actors, each leaving behind a trail of memories and a profound sense of loss.
So, let’s take a moment to remember those who’ve taken their final bow, leaving us with nothing but their cinematic legacies to cherish. The list includes the venerable Olofa Ina [Deji Aderemi], the radiant Ethel Ekpe, the vibrant Sisi Quadri, and the ever-comical Mr. Ibu, and most recently, the strong and fierce Junior Pope. Their names may have left the credits, but they’ll forever remain etched in the annals of Nollywood history.
