President Bola Tinubu has mourned veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru, who died at 57, and Mama Salamatu Elisha Bogoro, who passed away at 105, praising their contributions to Nigeria’s cultural heritage and community life.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed condolences over the deaths of veteran Nollywood actor Richard Francis Duru, who died at 57, and Mama Salamatu Elisha Bogoro, a Christian community leader who passed away at the age of 105 following a prolonged illness.
The President conveyed his condolences in two separate statements issued on October 23, 2026, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu described both deaths as significant losses to their respective communities, recognising Duru’s contribution to Nigeria’s entertainment industry and Mama Bogoro’s lifelong commitment to Christian fellowship and community service.
Reacting to Duru’s death, Tinubu described the development as “a painful moment for Nollywood and the nation’s creative community.”
The President acknowledged the veteran actor’s role in the growth of Nigeria’s film industry, noting that performers of his generation helped shape Nollywood’s artistic identity and introduce Nigerian stories, culture and values to audiences at home and abroad.
He also highlighted the importance of veteran actors in mentoring younger performers and contributing to the development of the country’s creative sector.
“The legacies of artists who devote their lives to entertaining, educating, and inspiring society endure long after their departure,” Tinubu said.
He added that Duru’s body of work would remain part of Nollywood’s history and Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
The President prayed for the repose of the late actor’s soul and extended his condolences to his family, colleagues, admirers and members of the wider film industry.
Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s recognition of the entertainment sector’s contribution to national development, cultural preservation and the promotion of Nigerian identity.
In a separate statement, President Tinubu mourned Mama Salamatu Elisha Bogoro, the mother of Professor Suleiman Elias Bogoro, a former Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
Mama Bogoro died at the age of 105 after a prolonged illness.
She served as the Uwar Zummunta of the Women Fellowship of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), RCC, in Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The President described her as “a woman of faith whose devotion to Christianity, commitment to fellowship, and service to her community exemplified the enduring values of compassion, humility, and love for humanity.”
Tinubu noted that her involvement in the Women Fellowship and her position as Uwar Zummunta reflected a longstanding commitment to promoting unity, mutual support and peaceful coexistence within the Christian community.
He said her dedication to faith and community service would continue to inspire her family, fellow worshippers and the wider COCIN community.
The President extended his sympathies to the Bauchi State Government, Professor Suleiman Bogoro, the bereaved family, COCIN leaders and members, and friends of the deceased.
He particularly acknowledged members of the Women Fellowship in Shendam, where Mama Bogoro served the church community.
Tinubu prayed that God would grant her eternal rest and comfort those mourning her passing.
The President’s tributes recognised two Nigerians whose lives touched different spheres of society: Francis Duru through his contributions to film and cultural expression, and Mama Salamatu Bogoro through her faith, fellowship and service to her community.
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