By ALEX ENEBELI

The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has unveiled Junior Pope Nollywood City in Enugu State, comprising 150 plots of land aimed at immortalising the late Nollywood actor, JohnPaul Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope.

The guild also allocated one plot of land each to three of Junior Pope’s sons as a legacy for their father’s contribution to the AGN and the Nollywood industry in general.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the actor lost his life in April 2025, along with four colleagues, when their boat capsized in the Anam River while shooting a movie.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for Junior Pope Nollywood City at Ako Nike, Enugu State, on Tuesday, National President of AGN, Mr Emeka-Rollas Ejezie, described the event as historic and the beginning of a lasting legacy.

He said the project was dedicated to the memory of the late Junior Pope, a man whose life embodied discipline, excellence, and a deep love for the Nigerian film industry.

“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 emembrance,” Ejezie said.

He explained that the city was a practical demonstration of AGN’s commitment to the welfare of its members, noting that for too long, actors had contributed immensely to Nigeria’s cultural identity without adequate institutional support.

“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

“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 explained.

Commending AGN Enugu Chapter for the initiative, Ejezie pointed out that Enugu had always been a historic centre of arts culture, adding that the project would further strengthen that position.

“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.

“I thank our partners, Cool Brains Real Estate, and the people of Ako Nike Commuity for their trust and cooperation,” he said.

The AGN National President-elect, Alhaji Abubakar Yakubu, pledged that the incoming executive would make the project top priority.

On his part, the Chairman of AGN’s Enugu Chapter and initiator of the project, Brown Ene, said the land was acquired to promote the image of Nollywood and improve the welfare of its members.

“So this is part of our progress in making sure that members of our guild

Have an affordable home in Enugu and We are naming it after our brother who died in a boat mishap to further immortalise him.

“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,” Ene said.

Responding, Junior Pope’s wife, Mrs Jennifer Odonwodo, expressed gratitude to the guild for immortalising her late husband with the new city and for allocating plots of land to her three children.

“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.

“It’s a proof to show that indeed he truly lives on because while he was here, he worked so hard for the industry,” she said. (NAN)

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