The Enugu State Government has established a condolence register for Nigerians to express their condolences and pay tribute to the gifted Nollywood actor, Obumneme Odonwodo, affectionately known as Junior Pope, who tragically lost his life in a boating accident.
This was even as Governor Peter Mbah expressed deep shock over the untimely demise of the Nollywood icon, describing it as ‘heart-wrenching’.
A statement by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Aka Eze Aka, at the weekend, said the condolence register would be opened at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Information and Communication, State Secretariat, Enugu effective Monday, April 15, 2024.
“Indeed, the death of Jnr. Pope came at a time Enugu State is working so hard to develop the creative potentials of its youth for self-reliance, as employers of labour and export of their talents outside the shores of Nigeria.
“Governor Mbah expresses deep grief that the late star and other young, talented Nigerians could lose their lives in such an unfortunate circumstance.
“The governor, therefore, commiserates with the bereaved families, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), and the entire Nollywood industry over the painful loss of their members in the boat accident.
“Meanwhile, those who may not get to the office of the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Communication, may use the following email address for their tributes:condolencejuniorpope@gmail.com to express their condolences,” the Commissioner said.
He promised that the state would work in concert with the family to ensure a befitting burial for the late movie icon.