The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has inaugurated the Junior Pope Nollywood City in Enugu, a project aimed at immortalising the late actor and celebrating his contributions to the industry.
According to NAN, the project, which includes 150 plots of
land, was unveiled during a ceremony on Tuesday.
Emeka Rollas, the guild’s national president, said the
project is both a tribute to the late actor and a landmark step for the guild.
Rollas said Pope’s legacy continues to inspire initiatives
aimed at building structures that will endure for future generations.
“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,” he said.
Rollas said the project will include a Junior Pope Creative
Hub alongside a permanent AGN zonal and Enugu secretariat to serve as a centre
for training and administration.
He added that the initiative underscores the guild’s
commitment to members’ welfare, noting that it will also provide Nollywood
practitioners with access to affordable land ownership.
“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,” he added.
“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 lauded the AGN Enugu chapter for the initiative, while
appreciating Enugu governor for the support of Nollywood and the creative
industry.
“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,” he added.
“I thank our partners, Cool Brains Real Estate, and the
people of Ako Nike Commuity for their trust and cooperation.”
Brown Ene, chairman of AGN’s Enugu chapter and initiator of
the project, said the land was acquired to promote the image of Nollywood and
improve the welfare of its members.
He revealed that Pope’s three sons have been allocated one
plot of land each.
“So this is part of our progress in making sure that
members of our guildhave an affordable home in Enugu and we are naming it
after our brother who died in a boat mishap to further immortalise him,” he
said.
“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.”
Jennifer Odonwodo, Junior Pope’s widow, expressed gratitude
for the honour.
“It’s indeed a great day, even though it’s a day filled
with mixed feelings and emotions. I wish he was here and still being honoured,
but nevertheless I’m happy it’s happening,” she said.
“It’s a proof to show that indeed he truly lives on because
while he was here, he worked so hard for the industry.”
Pope, born John Paul Odonwodo, died on April 10, 2024 in a
boat accident on the River Niger in Asaba, Delta state. He was on his way to a
movie location when the incident occurred.
The accident also claimed the lives of four other crew
members.
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