Tinubu mourns Nollywood veteran Richard Duru, 105-year-old Mama Bogoro

President Bola Tinubu has mourned veteran Nollywood actor Richard Francis Duru, who died at 57, and Mama Salamatu Elisha Bogoro, mother of former Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Suleiman Bogoro, who died at 105.

In separate condolence messages issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President expressed sadness over the deaths and extended condolences to the bereaved families, friends and associates.

Tinubu described Duru’s death as a painful loss to Nollywood and Nigeria’s creative community, noting his contributions to the growth and development of the country’s film industry.

He said veteran actors such as Duru had helped shape Nollywood’s artistic identity, nurture emerging talent and project Nigerian stories, culture and values to audiences at home and abroad.

The President added that the contributions of artists who dedicate their lives to entertaining, educating and inspiring society would endure beyond their lifetime.

He said Duru’s work would remain part of Nollywood’s history and Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

Tinubu prayed for the peaceful repose of the actor’s soul and asked God to give his family, colleagues, friends and fans the strength to bear the loss.

The President also reaffirmed his administration’s recognition of the contributions of the arts and entertainment industry to national development, cultural preservation and Nigeria’s international image.

In the second condolence message, Tinubu mourned Mama Bogoro, a devoted Christian and Uwar Zummunta of the Women Fellowship of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), RCC, in Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Mama Bogoro died at 105 after a prolonged illness.