By BETTY DITORU-MUJE

The Delta State Government has prohibited journeys on its waterbodies for actors in the expression of their creative talents without putting on life jackets and ensuring other safety measures.

This was contained in a condolence message by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Nnamdi Ijeh, to the families of those who lost their lives in the ill-fated boat mishap on the Niger River, including Mr. John Paul Odonwodo, fondly called Junior Pope.

According to the letter dated April 11, 2024, the culture and tourism commissioner conveyed the sympathies of the Delta State Government and the creative family in the state in the unfortunate incident of April 10, 2024.

“On behalf of the Delta State Government, Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the entire creative family in the State, I sympathize with the families of those who lost their lives in the process of expressing their creative talent on their way from the location of shooting a movie on April 10 2024, and the entire Nollywood family.

“It is with a heavy heart that I want you to know that we share in your pain. At the time the news got to us, we arrived at the scene and discovered that the few ones who were saved from the boat mishap were on life jackets.

“It is therefore very expedient that, at this time of grief, to say that henceforth, such journeys should not be embarked upon without life jackets, expert divers and other safety precautions. The Delta State Government takes the life of every citizen as a priority and therefore warns against water journeys without the required safety gadgets, especially those within the entertainment industry.

In the letter copied to the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Dr Emeka Rollas, the culture and tourism commissioner also prayed for the repose of the departed souls. (Delta State News Bulletin)

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