AGN immortalises late actor Junior Pope, gives support to family

By Folashade Olorunfemi –

The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has unveiled a Nollywood City in Enugu State in memory of the late actor, John Paul Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope.

The project, located at Ako Nike, Enugu State, comprises 150 plots of land and is designed to provide Nollywood practitioners with access to affordable land ownership.

As part of the initiative, the AGN also bequeathed one plot of land each to Junior Pope’s three sons in recognition of their father’s contribution to the guild and the Nigerian film industry.

Speaking at the unveiling on Tuesday, AGN National President, Emeka-Rollas Ejezie, described the project as a historic step and a lasting legacy dedicated to the late actor.

According to him, “Though he left us too soon, his spirit continues to inspire us to build structures that will outlive us all.”

Ejezie explained that the Nollywood City reflects the guild’s commitment to the welfare of its members, noting that actors have long contributed to Nigeria’s cultural identity without sufficient institutional support.

He added that the project would also house the Junior Pope Creative Hub, as well as permanent AGN Zonal and Enugu State secretariats to support training, administration and creative activities.

Junior Pope’s wife, Jennifer Odonwodo, expressed appreciation to the guild for immortalising her late husband and for the bequest made to their children, describing the gesture as both emotional and deeply meaningful.