The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has inaugurated the Junior Pope Nollywood City in Enugu, a 150-plot land project dedicated to honoring the memory and contributions of the late Nollywood actor, Junior Pope.
The initiative was unveiled during a ceremony on Tuesday, described by AGN National President Emeka Rollas as a lasting tribute to the actor and a significant step forward for the guild and its members.
“Though he left us too soon, his spirit continues to inspire us to build structures that will outlive us all,” Rollas stated. “It is the planting of a seed that will grow into shelter, opportunity, unity, and remembrance.”
The project will include the Junior Pope Creative Hub and a permanent zonal and state secretariat for the AGN in Enugu, serving as a center for training, administration, and creative development. Rollas emphasized that the initiative reflects the guild’s commitment to member welfare by providing access to affordable land ownership for Nollywood practitioners.
Brown Ene, Chairman of the AGN Enugu chapter and initiator of the project, announced that three plots of land have been allocated to each of Junior Pope’s three sons. The allocations have been prepared and will be presented to their mother on their behalf.
Jennifer Odonwodo, the actor’s widow, expressed gratitude during the event, noting the mixed emotions of the occasion.
“It’s indeed a great day, even though it’s a day filled with mixed feelings and emotions,” she said. “I wish he was here and still being honored, but nevertheless I’m happy it’s happening. It’s proof to show that indeed he truly lives on.”
Junior Pope, born John Paul Odonwodo, died in a boat accident on April 10, 2024, while traveling to a film location on the River Niger in Delta State. Four other crew members also lost their lives in the incident.
The AGN leadership also thanked the Enugu State Government and project partners for their support in realizing the landmark initiative.
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