By KELU MUSA

Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN) have set up a 27-member joint burial committee for late Nollywood actor, Francis Duru.

The guilds announced this in a joint statement issued by their National Presidents, Abubakar Yakubu (AGN) and Dr Uche Agbo (DGN), on Saturday.

The statement named Segun Arinze as chairman, Prof. Ovunda Ihunwo as co-chairman and Salma Aminu, Mayor of AGN FCT chapter, as secretary of the committee.

It said the committee would organise simultaneous industry wake-keeping and tribute events in Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt, alongside activities across the guilds’ state chapters.

According to the statement, the committee will also mobilise financial and material support for all activities and assistance for the deceased’s immediate family through fundraising, sponsorships and contributions from industry stakeholders.

The guilds called on corporate organisations, government institutions, professional associations, Nollywood practitioners and members of the public to support the initiative.

They also urged members of both guilds and the wider creative community to set aside personal differences and demonstrate solidarity in honouring their departed colleague.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Duru died at 57 on Oct. 22, after a brief illness.

His family had earlier announced burial arrangements, with funeral activities scheduled for Abuja and his hometown in Imo. (NAN)