By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has commiserated with the Actors Guild of Nigeria, facmilies of the victims and the entire Nollywood industry on the painful loss of their members in a recent fatal boat accident that occurred along River Niger while returning to a movie location. The accident claimed the life of popular actor Junior Pope and at least three others.

The Governor in his condolence message signed by his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, expressed deep regrets that talented, promising, young Nigerians like actor Junior Pope and others in pursuit of their career dreams could lose their lives in such unfortunate circumstances.

Soludo said: “This tragic accident, the Governor remarks, brings to the fore again the importance of engaging basic safety measures in water transportation in Nigeria, most especially the procurement of life jackets, hiring of life guards, and administration of first aids like CPR on victims.”

While urging Nollywood practitioners to always comply with the necessary safety precautions to save lives on riverside engagements, the governor expressed his full support for development of the creative entertainment industry.

He affirmed that the entertainment sector is complementary to well-rounded development in society, and that is why the Anambra State Government today is building the “Solution Fun City” in Awka, remodeling the Agulu Lake as a tourist delight, and modernising the water transportation system in the state to boost tourism and economic activities.

The Governor further prayed for the souls of the boat tragedy victims to rest in peace, even as he urged their families, friends and industry colleagues to find solace in their cherished memories.