AGN unveils Junior Pope Nollywood City in Enugu, offering 150 plots, creative hub, and secretariat to honour the late actor’s legacy
The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has officially allocated one plot of land each to the three young sons of the late Nollywood star John Paul Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope, within the newly inaugurated Junior Pope Nollywood City in Enugu State.
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The project spans 150 plots of land designed to provide affordable property ownership for movie practitioners and will house a permanent AGN secretariat as well as a Junior Pope Creative Hub dedicated to training the next generation of Nollywood talent.
Junior Pope tragically died on April 10, 2024, in a boat accident on the River Niger in Asaba, Delta State, while en route to a movie location.
Four crew members also lost their lives, leaving the industry in mourning.
Speaking at the inauguration, AGN national president Emeka Rollas described the initiative as more than a memorial.
He said it represents a vision to build lasting structures that will benefit future generations of creatives.
“Although Junior Pope’s life was cut short, his influence continues to shape meaningful interventions within the industry,” Rollas said.
The Nollywood City aims to serve as a symbol of opportunity, unity, and remembrance for actors and filmmakers nationwide.
The facilities will provide spaces for training, administration, and creative collaboration, reflecting the guild’s commitment to member welfare and addressing long-standing concerns over affordable land ownership in the sector.
Junior Pope’s widow, Jennifer Odonwodo, described the unveiling as deeply emotional, expressing gratitude that her late husband’s name would continue to inspire and uplift others in Nollywood.
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The project marks a milestone in the AGN’s efforts to turn promises into concrete support for its members while immortalising the legacy of one of Nigeria’s beloved film actors.
Ibrahim Onipede is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
