President Bola Tinubu has mourned veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru, who died aged 57 following a brief illness, describing his death as a painful loss to Nigeria’s film industry and creative community.

Duru’s family announced his death on the actor’s official Instagram page in the early hours of Friday, October 23, 2026, prompting tributes to the late actor and his contribution to Nigerian entertainment.

Also read: CBN approves JPMorgan to establish Nigerian bank

Tinubu’s condolence message was contained in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The President acknowledged the role veteran actors such as Duru played in shaping Nollywood’s artistic identity, developing emerging talent and promoting Nigerian stories, culture and values to audiences at home and abroad.

According to the statement, Tinubu said the contributions of artists who dedicate their lives to entertaining, educating and inspiring society remain significant long after their deaths.

He added that Duru’s work would continue to form part of Nollywood’s history and Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

“The President notes that the legacies of artists who devote their lives to entertaining, educating, and inspiring society endure long after their departure,” the statement read.

“He affirms that Duru’s contributions to Nollywood will remain part of the industry’s rich history and cultural heritage.”

The President prayed for the peaceful repose of the actor’s soul and asked God to give his family, friends, colleagues and admirers the strength to cope with the loss.

He also reaffirmed his administration’s recognition of the arts and entertainment industry as an important contributor to national development, cultural preservation and Nigeria’s international image.

Tinubu said the Nigerian creative community continued to play a valuable role in presenting the country’s identity and stories to the world.

Duru’s death marks a loss for Nollywood, an industry whose growth has been shaped by generations of performers, filmmakers and other creative professionals.

Also read: CBN approves JPMorgan to establish Nigerian bank

As tributes continue, the President’s message highlighted the enduring cultural significance of veteran actors and the lasting place their work can occupy in Nigeria’s entertainment history.