Actors Guild Of Nigeria
OpenLife Nigeria reports that the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) on Tuesday marked a significant milestone in Nollywood’s history with the unveiling of Junior Pope Nollywood City in Ako Nike, Enugu State.
The housing project, consisting of 150 plots of land, was dedicated to the memory of the late Nollywood actor John Paul Odonwodo, widely known as Junior Pope, who died in a tragic incident during a movie shoot.
At the ceremony, AGN National President Emeka‑Rollas Ejezie described the initiative as a “historic occasion,” emphasising its role in improving members’ welfare and immortalising the late actor’s legacy.
“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.
The city is designed to support actors and industry professionals with affordable land ownership, and includes plans for the Junior Pope Creative Hub, along with permanent AGN zonal and Enugu State secretariats for training and administrative activities.
As part of the tribute, AGN allocated one plot to each of Junior Pope’s three sons, with an official presentation to their mother, Mrs Jennifer Odonwodo, scheduled in the coming weeks. Jennifer expressed heartfelt gratitude, saying:
“It’s indeed a great day, even though it’s a day filled with mixed feelings and emotions… It’s proof to show that indeed he truly lives on because while he was here, he worked so hard for the industry.”
Chairman of the AGN Enugu Chapter, Brown Ene, noted that the project also aims to strengthen Nollywood’s presence and inspire younger actors, while incoming AGN President Alhaji Abubakar Yakubu pledged to prioritise its completion.
JUNIOR POPE: BIOGRAPHY, CAREER, AND LEGACY
John Paul Obumneme Odonwodo (May 7, 1981 – April 10, 2024), professionally known as Junior Pope, was a celebrated Nigerian actor and film producer whose work made a lasting impact on Nollywood.
He was born in Bamenda, Cameroon to parents of Igbo descent and later relocated to Nigeria, where he completed his education, including a degree in Accountancy at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Junior Pope began his acting career in 2006 and quickly rose to prominence with a breakthrough role in Secret Adventures (2007).
Over his nearly two‑decade career, he appeared in more than 150 films, including notable titles such as Bitter Generation and Nkoli Nwa Nsukka. He became especially known for his versatility, often portraying complex characters from villains to comedic roles.
At home, he was a devoted husband to Jennifer Awele Okpuno, whom he married in 2014, and a proud father to their three sons Jason, Jaden, and Jamon. His family frequently shared moments of affection and personal milestones on social media, reflecting a warm and close‑knit household.
TRAGIC DEATH AND AFTERMATH
On April 10, 2024, Junior Pope was among four colleagues who drowned when the boat carrying them capsized on the Anam River in Anambra State while returning from a film shoot.
He was 39 years old at the time of his death.
Investigations later indicated that the tragedy was largely due to human error and safety lapses, including a disregard for waterway safety protocols and inadequate life‑saving equipment.
Since his passing, his wife Jennifer and their children have commemorated his life and navigated their grief publicly.
In an emotional tribute marking the first anniversary of his death, Jennifer shared how difficult the past year has been for her and the boys, including their children still asking when their father will return to fulfil promises he made such as taking them to a football academy or bringing a toy car he once promised Jamon. The family expressed deep appreciation for the ongoing support from fans, friends, and the Nollywood community.
SUPPORT FROM NOLLYWOOD AND BEYOND
Colleagues and friends from the Nigerian film industry have continued to honour Junior Pope’s memory through tributes, memorials, and public messages of consolation. Actors such as Destiny Etiko, Sonia Ogala, Dave Ogbeni, Ekene Umenwa, May Edochie, and others shared heartfelt remembrances of their experiences and the void his absence has left in their lives.
In addition to emotional support, influential figures pledged practical support for Junior Pope’s children, offering to help with their upbringing, education, and well‑being until they are grown a gesture that brought comfort to the family and wider community.
The launch of Junior Pope Nollywood City represents both a tribute to a beloved artist and a commitment by the Actors Guild of Nigeria to address long‑standing concerns about actors’ welfare and infrastructure support. By naming this landmark development after Junior Pope a performer whose vibrant career and personal warmth endeared him to colleagues and fans alike AGN cements his legacy in the heart of Nollywood’s future.
The outpouring of support for his family, coupled with ongoing industry reflections on safety and welfare, underscores the profound impact he had on Nigerian cinema and those who knew him.
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