Delta Government has prohibited journeys on its water bodies for actors to carry out their creative talents without putting on life jackets and ensuring other safety measures.
This is contained in a condolence message by the State 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 River Niger last week, made available to newsmen in Asaba, on Monday.
Tribune Online reports that Junior Pope, alongside other crew members, tragically passed away after their boat capsized in the Anam River in Anambra State while returning home from movie locations.
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According to the letter, dated April 11, 2024, the commissioner conveyed the sympathies of the State Government and the creative family in the state in the unfortunate incident of April 10, 2024.
‘’On behalf of the State Government, Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the entire creative family in the State, I sympathise 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,” he said.
Ijeh also added, ”the Delta 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 commissioner also prayed for the repose of the departed souls.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
