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Tag: Junior Pope

  • AGN honours Junior Pope with Nollywood City project in Enugu

    AGN honours Junior Pope with Nollywood City project in Enugu

    The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), under the leadership of outgoing President Emeka Rollas, has launched a project to immortalise the late icon Junior Pope, who tragically passed away in April 2024 following a boat accident during a film shoot.

    In the announcement posted on Instagram, Rollas described the project as his “last legacy” before stepping down.

    The guild held the official groundbreaking ceremony for ‘Junior Pope Nollywood City’ in Ako Nike, Enugu State.

    This landmark development spans approximately 150 plots of land and is designed to honor Junior Pope’s memory while delivering real, lasting support to the Nollywood community and his family.

    As a gesture of support, three plots were also allocated to Junior Pope’s three sons (one each), presented to his wife during the event.

    Rollas praised the unity and vision of the AGN Enugu State chapter, the Enugu State Government, the Ako Nike community, and development partners for making the initiative possible.

    He stressed that the project transcends mere land and buildings; it’s about dignity, unity, and securing a brighter future for Nigerian actors.

    Rollas wrote: “My last legacy before handover: Yesterday, in Ako Nike, Enugu State, we officially had the ground-breaking ceremony for Junior Pope Nollywoodwood City, a legacy project established in honour of our late colleague and friend, Junior Pope Odowodudu.

    Read Also: Junior Pope’s wife remembers late actor on 11th wedding anniversary

    “This initiative reflects the strong commitment of the Actors Guild of Nigeria to the welfare of its members and to the sustainable growth of Nollywood as a key part of Nigeria’s creative economy.

    “Junior Pope Nollywood City will provide affordable land for Nollywood practitioners and will also host the Junior Pope Creative Hub as well as the AGN Zonal and Enugu State Secretariat, creating a permanent home for creativity, training, and administration in Enugu State.

    “The three sons of our brother already have three plots of land, as you can see in the picture during the presentation to the wife of our late colleague. Also, I presented papers for five plots of land to the AGN Enugu state chapter chairman, Prince Brown Ene, and the vice President state, South East Mr Anigbo Clement AB Cowboy, for the proposed AGN Enugu secretariat and South East zonal offices.

    “I commend the leadership and members of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Enugu State Chapter, for this vision, unity, and determination in bringing this project to life. I also appreciate the Enugu State Government, the Ako Nike Community, and our development partners, young minds and cool brains, and real estate management, for their support and cooperation.

    “This project is not just about land and buildings; it is about dignity, unity, and the future of the Nigerian actor.

    “Expression of interest begins on 5th February 2026 and ends on 20th February 2026. Please note that allocation starts on 27th February 2026. Terms and conditions apply.

    “May the memory of Junior Pope Odowodudu continue to inspire us to build lasting legacies.”

  • Toolz defends Junior Pope’s widow amid criticism over ‘moving on’

    Toolz defends Junior Pope’s widow amid criticism over ‘moving on’

    Media personality Toolz Oniru has defended Jennifer, the widow of late Nollywood actor Junior Pope, after she faced criticism for allegedly “moving on” a year after her husband’s death.

    The backlash began after Jennifer shared a video of herself and actress Mercy Johnson posing for the camera. 

    A Nigerian man, identified as Obiasogu, condemned her for appearing to have moved past her loss, claiming that the burden of raising three children “doesn’t seem to show on her.”

    Toolz, however, faulted the criticism, insisting that no one has the right to dictate how a widow should grieve or rebuild her life.

    He wrote, “She’s looking so stunning, casually handling an iPhone 17 Pro Max, and looking like she’s already moved on, barely 1 year after losing her husband and bearing the burden of raising three kid-boys.

    “Dear men, do whatever you can not to d!e young, especially after newly marrying.”

    Reacting, Toolz Oniru questioned why Jennifer should lock herself away and mourn forever, pointing out that it’s been 20 months since Junior Pope died.

    She highlighted the double standard, stating that men wouldn’t find it hard to get another wife within the same year.

    “Barely a year is actually 20 months. She should lock herself away and mourn forever? When it wouldn’t be unusual in this country for a man to have another wife within the same year”, she stated.

    Many Nollywood stars had shown support to Junior Pope’s widow following his death.

    Jennifer has been commemorating significant milestones, reflecting on her husband’s passing and their life together.

    On April 10, 2025, she marked the one-year anniversary of his death, recalling the challenges of coping with the loss.

    Junior Pope and several others drowned in Anam River, Anambra State, while returning from a movie set produced by Adanma Luke on April 8, 2024.

    In May, she celebrated his 45th posthumous birthday, sharing fond memories and expressing sadness at no longer being able to surprise him.

    In July, she marked their 11th wedding anniversary, acknowledging mixed emotions and pain at his absence, yet finding solace in his enduring legacy.

  • Junior Pope’s wife remembers late actor on 11th wedding anniversary

    Junior Pope’s wife remembers late actor on 11th wedding anniversary

    Jennifer Odonwodo, the widow of actor Junior Pope is celebrating their 11th wedding anniversary with a heartfelt Instagram post.

    She expressed mixed emotions, feeling the pain of his physical absence but finding solace in the thought that his legacy lives on.

    Junior Pope tragically passed away on April 10, 2024, after drowning in a river with other crew members while returning from a movie shoot.

    Jennifer noted that she sometimes gets overwhelmed and finds herself telling others that Junior Pope will come back.

    She reminisced about the past, highlighting the absence of their annual anniversary photoshoot.

    Jennifer also shared how she never realised the importance of hugs until she received genuine ones after his passing.

    She thanked her late husband for the memories and asked him to continue interceding and watching over their family.

    She wrote: “JayyyyyPeeeee Jay To The Peeeeeee. My Guyest Guy…Manest Man. The One That Gives Me ALL The Gists He’s Given And More.

    Read Also: Junior Pope’s wife marks actor’s 45th posthumous birthday

    “It’s 26th July 2025…Our Supposed 11th Wedding Anniversary….We Nor Do Photoshoot This Year Oooo…Wetin Happen Nau??? So It’s True??? Haaaa!!!

    “Omooooo When It Sometimes Gets Soooo Overwhelming, I Will Tell Whoever Is With Me At That Point; JP Will Come Back Ooooo Cuz Who Did He Leave This Work For???? I Never Realized How Soothing Hugs Were Till I Got Some Genuine Ones After April 10th 2024

    “I Write Today With Mixed Feelings…Pained At Your Physical Absence But Somewhat Joyed That You Indeed Live On….

    “Keep Interceding And Watching Over Us….A WHOLE Lot Has Happened Oooo …A Lot To Gist You…Gist Dey…..’Mana Ya Diba’ You Are SORELY Missed!!!”.

  • Junior Pope’s wife loses father-in-law

    Junior Pope’s wife loses father-in-law

    The wife of late actor Junior Pope, Jennifer, has announced the death of her father-in-law, Ozor Luke Odonwodo, with a tribute on Instagram. 

    Reflecting on their recent time together in Enugu, she mentioned that Odonwodo passed away in his 80s but expressed gratitude for the memories, noting his love and sacrifices for his family. 

    While she did not disclose the cause of his death, Jennifer highlighted his fulfilling life and the strength needed to cope with this loss following her husband’s passing a year earlier.

    She wrote: “Barely One Month Ago, I Was With You In Enugu…Some Days Later, Reme (My Mother In Love) Called, asked How I And Her Boys Are Doing And Further Went To Say That Her Husband Has Gone To Meet My Husband, I Screamed But Had To Quickly Pull Myself Together As She Started Crying After I Screamed Ozor Luke Odonwodo Is One Man That Genuinely Loved Me…And I’m So Thankful I Got To Spend Time With Him Even Though Short Unknowingly In His Last Days.

    Read Also: Junior Pope’s wife pays tribute one year after death

    “He Passed An Octogenarian Who Lived A Good Life, Paid His Dues, Sacrificed A Lot For His Family And Loved Ones And Happily Reaped The Fruits Of His Labour.

    “Reme, Nwanyiomam, this Is Actually A Lot Within One Year, But I Pray God Gives You And Us All The Strength We Need To Keep Pushing No Matter How Hard It Seems.

    “Adieu Father And Son.You Are Sorely Missed But We Hold Onto The Resurrection Promises In John 5:28,29 And Acts 24:15 Ozor Luke OdonwodoJnr Pope Odonwodo, May Your Gentle Souls Rest In Perfect Peace Till We Meet To Part”.

    She drew comfort from biblical promises of resurrection, receiving an outpouring of condolences from fans and colleagues.

  • Junior Pope’s wife marks actor’s 45th posthumous birthday

    Junior Pope’s wife marks actor’s 45th posthumous birthday

    Jennifer Awele, the wife of late actor Junior Pope, is celebrating his 45th posthumous birthday with a heartfelt tribute on Instagram.

    She shared a touching video of Junior Pope playing joyfully with their children, reminiscing about a sweet memory from 2010 when he revealed his birthday was the last day of the first week of May.

    Read Also: Junior Pope’s wife pays tribute one year after death

    In her emotional post, Awele expressed sadness about not celebrating her late husband’s birthday with surprises, but instead, she honoured him with tears and cherished memories.

    She wrote: “In July 2010, you asked my birth date. I asked for yours, and you said the last day in the first week of May, and I said the 7th? You said (Smart With A Clap).

    “It’s May 7th, 2025, And I’m Not Celebrating You With My Different Birthday Surprises(I Doubt I Missed Any), Not With Candles And Cakes But With Tears And Memories And A Heart That Still Beats In Rhythm With Yours.

    “I Had A Lot In Mind To Type, But At This Point, Words Fail Me. Happy 45th Birthday, Our Daddy In Heaven. We Carry Your Love In Everything We Do. Keep Watching Over Us, Debonair”.

    Awele’s tribute comes a year after Junior Pope’s tragic death on April 10, 2024, in a boat accident during a film shoot.

    She has been paying tribute to her late husband, including a post on the first anniversary of his passing, where she shared the struggles of raising their three sons, Jason, Jaden, and Jamon, without him.

    In that post, Awele revealed the children’s heartbreaking questions about Junior Pope’s unfulfilled promises, such as taking them to a football academy and buying Jamon a toy car.

  • Junior Pope’s wife pays tribute one year after death

    Junior Pope’s wife pays tribute one year after death

    Wife of actor Junior Pope, Jennifer Awele is remembering her husband a year after his untimely death.

    She shared a post on Instagram, reflecting on the pain and grief of losing her husband.

    Junior Pope and others drowned at Anam River in Anambra State while returning from a movie set produced by Adanma Luke on April 10th.

    Luke received backlash for not providing the actors with safety procedures, which led to their deaths.

    Jennifer described the past year as a journey of standing in the face of unimaginable loss.

    She noted that not a day has gone by without a thought of Junior Pope and his love still surrounds their family.

    Jennifer revealed that it’s been tough trying to stay strong for each other as the world around them seems to fall apart.

    The grief remains heavy, and the absence has left a void that words can never fill.

    However, they look up to heaven for strength and guidance.

    She wrote: “It’s been one year of standing in the face of our unimaginable loss, and not a day has gone by without a thought of you.

    Read Also: Junior Pope: AGN lifts ban on Adanma Luke

    Your love still surrounds us, your laughter echoes in our hearts, and your presence is felt in the quiet moments when we miss you most.

    “You have no idea how tough it’s been, trying to stay strong for each other even as the world around us seems fallen apart. The grief remains heavy, the absence left a void that words can never fill, but through it all, we look up for strength from heaven as a guiding light.

    “Oh death, you have taught us to live each day as it comes, one step at a time bearing such extreme pain that can never go away.

    “I still don’t have the right words to respond to Jason and Jaden wanting to know if Daddy will fulfill his promise of taking them to a proper football academy and be present at their first official match. They said ;, “Daddy told them he wouldn’t miss it for anything in the world”. Then the littlest one (J papa as fondly called by daddy) Jamon, keeps asking when daddy is bringing the big toy car he promised him

    “We appreciate everyone who sympathized with us and stood and still stand by us through our time of grief. Words cannot express our heartfelt gratitude for your love and support towards us.

    “To our beloved, you did not only leave us, your family but so many who loved you and loved your works.
    It is so difficult and unbelievable to
    say these words, but still, continue to rest in the bosom of the Almighty. You will always be in our hearts and our thoughts, and your memories and legacy will live on forever.

    “Though you’re no longer by our side, you live on in every memory, every smile and every tear. We shall carry you with us always until we meet again. We cannot question God, right? May Your Soul Rest In Perfect Peace, My Love”.

  • Top 14 entertainment stories that dominated headlines in 2024

    Top 14 entertainment stories that dominated headlines in 2024

    The Nigerian entertainment industry experienced a rollercoaster of emotions in 2024, marked by dramatic headlines, major controversies, and heartbreaking losses. This year, from drama and tragedies to inspiring comebacks, underscored the creative space’s vibrant yet fragile nature.

    Notable events that dominated the entertainment scene in 2024

    1. Bobrisky’s prison drama

    Controversial social media personality Bobrisky made headlines for her naira mutilation offence, which saw her in and out of prison. The saga began in March after she won “Most Dressed Female” at Eniola Ajao’s movie premiere, stirring debates on morality and the law.

    2. Khaid’s Health Struggles

    Music star Khaid faced a tough year battling an undisclosed illness. His condition became public after skit maker and label boss, Sydney Talker shared the news, leading fans to rally support for the young artist’s recovery.

    Remembering the Stars who died in 2024

    The year also brought the painful departure of several icons who left indelible marks on Nigeria’s cultural landscape:

    1. Junior Pope

    In April, the industry was thrown into mourning when beloved actor, Junior Pope, tragically passed away in a boat accident while filming on Adanma Luke’s movie set. The incident sparked conversations about the safety of actors on location

    2. Mr. Ibu – The comic veteran brought joy to millions through his unforgettable roles in Nollywood.

    3. Sisi Quadri – A celebrated figure in Yoruba cinema.

    4. Aduke Gold – Known for her moving gospel music.

    5. Onyeka Onwenu is a legendary singer, actress, and journalist whose influence spans decades.

    6. Amaechi Muonagor – A Nollywood powerhouse with memorable performances.

    7. Herbert Wigwe—Former Access Bank CEO, supporter of the arts, remembered for his contributions to creative financing.

    8. Adejumoke Aderounmu (Esther in Jenifa’s Diary) – Her death on April 6 at age 40 shocked fans; her roles captured the complexities of Nigerian youth.

    9. Deji Aderemi (Baba Olofa Ina) – Revered for his commanding portrayal of traditional leaders, Aderemi succumbed to cancer on January 4 at age 73.

    10. Ethel Ekpe – A Basi and Company star, she passed on February 7 after a prolonged cancer battle.

    11. Charles Olumo ‘Agbako’—at 101, Charles Olumo is the oldest Nollywood actor. His passing on October 31 marked the end of an era in Nigerian cinema.

    12. Junior Pope – His sudden death on April 10 remains a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of life.

    2024 may have been challenging, but it also highlighted the resilience of the Nigerian entertainment industry and its unwavering ability to create, inspire, and endure.

  • Adanma Luke apologises over Junior Pope, crew members’ deaths on film set

    Adanma Luke apologises over Junior Pope, crew members’ deaths on film set

    Film producer Adanma Luke has issued a heartfelt apology following the tragic deaths of actor Junior Pope and her crew members in a boating accident en route to her film set in April 2024.

    In an emotional Instagram post, she expressed deep sorrow and regret, sharing that she has been battling depression in the wake of online criticism surrounding the incident.

    She said: “I don’t have much to say, I’m just here to say that I’m sorry. I’m sorry, Nigerians, I’m sorry I took away your loved ones, according to what people are saying. I’m very sad and even though I try to be strong I still don’t see myself being strong. I’m so sad that this had to happen on my set, I’m so sad that they had to come to work for me at that particular time. I’m not God, this was destined to happen, but then, why me?

    Read Also: Rita Edochie sends condolences to Junior Pope’s widow on 10th wedding anniversary

    “I never liked the internet drama and all that but this whole thing put me out there and a lot of people have been dragged me. A lot of people have been telling me not to talk, I’m trying to heal but it’s not coming back.”

    She emphasised that she had requested life jackets for her cast and crew but was told by locals that they were not necessary.

    Luke pleaded: “We all loved JP; we all loved the other people that lost their lives, my crew members. I hadn’t visited Asaba in the past 2 years until that incident and when I wanted to shoot that movie, I asked for a better location and they took me there.

    “It’s not like I didn’t do it on purpose and I’m taking all the blame. Please, Nigerians, I’m sorry; it has happened. I’m gradually losing my life and getting depressed, please forgive me.”

  • Junior Pope not my boyfriend, says Ruby Ojiakor

    Junior Pope not my boyfriend, says Ruby Ojiakor

    Actress Ruby Ojiakor has finally spoken out on she had an extramarital relationship with the late actor Junior Pope.

    After Junior Pope’s death in a boat accident on set, rumors circulated that Ruby was his girlfriend due to her persistent demands for justice on social media. 

    The rumors were further fueled by Junior Pope’s wife, Jennifer, unfollowing Ruby on Instagram after his burial.

    In a video message on her Instagram page, Ruby set the record straight, stating that Junior Pope was never her boyfriend and that there was no intimacy between them. 

    She described him as a close friend and big brother but not a romantic partner. 

    Ruby also denied claims that Junior Pope was the father of her child, Royalty, laughing off the suggestion and asking how people could think that way.

    She said: “Junior Pope was never my boyfriend. There’s no intimacy between myself and Junior Pope. We never dated. Junior Pope was never my intimate friend. He was just my friend. He was more than a friend. He was my big brother.

    “I also see a lot of posts, some persons will just screenshot and send to me and say, ‘Look at what they’re saying, they said he [Junior Pope] is Royalty’s father.’ I just looked at it and I laughed. How can people reason this way? Please and please, Junior Pope is not Royalty’s father. He’s not my daughter’s father. I just want to clarify this.”

  • Junior Pope: Only God sees our heart, Adanma Luke reacts to Ruby Orjiakor’s claims

    Junior Pope: Only God sees our heart, Adanma Luke reacts to Ruby Orjiakor’s claims

    Embattled movie producer, Adanma Luke, has responded to the claims of Ruby Orjiakor accusing her of telling people that the late Junior Pope used to beg her for jobs.

    Ruby accused Baba Rex and Adanma Luke for ‘wrong’ acts following the demise of Junior Pope. 

    She claimed that Baba Rex was using Junior Pope’s unfortunate demise as content, while she alleged that Adanma Luke was going about telling anyone who would listen that Junior Pope used to beg her for jobs.

    Replying to her, Adanma Luke rebuffed and fired back by pointing out that she, Ruby Orjiakor, is the main content creator, because she carries cameras everywhere she goes.

    Read Also: How Junior Pope, four others died, by NSIB

    On her Instagram account, she said that it is God who sees people’s hearts and for this, she wouldn’t drag the matter any further as he doesn’t consider Ruby to be on the same level with her.

    Adanma Luke wrote: “The one that carries camera everywhere she goes. The real content creator. Only God sees our heart but for now i won’t push further because you no reach. I have had worse things from better people. RUBY.”