Mr Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, says the death of Nollywood actor Pope Obumneme Odonwodo, often known as Junior Pope, is a huge loss for Nigeria’s entertainment sector.
Mr Obi, who expressed sorrow at the early loss of the actor he described as ‘vibrant’, stated that Junior Pope’s death is particularly devastating given the hopeful future his skill indicated.
In a brief post on X (previously Twitter), the former Anambra State governor expressed condolences to the late actor’s family as well as the families of others who died in the unfortunate boat disaster.
Mr Obi requested that the actor’s family, fans, and all Nigerians be given the strength to absorb the loss.
Below is Peter Obi’s full statement.
“I am shocked by the reports of the death of yet another vibrant Nollywood actor, Pope Obumneme Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope. Our entertainment industry, and indeed our dear nation, is once again thrown into mourning, by the death of this young talented actor.
“His death is yet another great loss to the entertainment industry which has in recent years risen to become a most vibrant sector of our social and economic life. I am even more saddened to imagine the pain and agony of the families they have just left behind.
“Death is a very painful experience, but the death of a young one with a promising future is even more devastating. I sincerely commiserate with his family and the families of others who also lost their lives in the boat accident.
“I also condole with the Actors Guild of Nigeria, and the entire entertainment industry. May God give them, and all of us, the fortitude to bear this sad irreplaceable loss, and grant eternal rest to the dead. ”
