The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has taken a historic step to immortalise Junior Pope, unveiling the Junior Pope Nollywood City in Enugu State as a lasting tribute to the late Nollywood actor, John Paul Obumneme Odonwodo.
The project, which comprises 150 plots of land, was officially unveiled during a groundbreaking ceremony held at Ako Nike, Enugu State, on Tuesday, January 28, 2026.
As part of the legacy initiative, the guild allocated one plot of land each to Junior Pope’s three sons in recognition of their father’s contribution to the Actors Guild of Nigeria and the Nigerian film industry.
Junior Pope died in April 2025 alongside four colleagues after their boat capsized in the Anam River while on a movie shoot.
Speaking at the ceremony, AGN National President, Mr Emeka-Rollas Ejezie, described the unveiling as the beginning of a legacy that would endure for generations.
According to him, the project was dedicated to the memory of Junior Pope, whom he described as a symbol of discipline, excellence and passion for Nollywood.
“Though he left us too soon, his spirit continues to inspire us to build structures that will outlive us all.
“This project is the planting of a seed that will grow into shelter, opportunity, unity and remembrance,” Ejezie said.
He explained that the city reflects AGN’s renewed commitment to the welfare of its members, noting that actors had long contributed to Nigeria’s cultural identity without commensurate institutional support.
Ejezie said the project would also house the Junior Pope Creative Hub, as well as permanent AGN Zonal and Enugu State Secretariats, providing a physical base for training, administration and creative development.
Commending the AGN Enugu Chapter, he noted that Enugu’s historical role in arts and culture made it a fitting location for the project.
He also expressed appreciation to the Enugu State Government, Cool Brains Real Estate and the Ako Nike community for their support.
The AGN National President-elect, Alhaji Abubakar Yakubu, pledged that the incoming leadership would prioritise the completion of the project.
Chairman of AGN Enugu Chapter and initiator of the project, Mr Brown Ene, said the land was acquired to promote Nollywood’s image and improve members’ welfare.
He added that naming the city after Junior Pope was meant to further immortalise him and inspire younger actors to uphold responsibility and commitment to the guild.
“Junior Pope’s three sons will each have a plot of land, and the allocation has already been completed and will be presented to their mother on their behalf,” Ene said.
Responding on behalf of the family, Junior Pope’s wife, Mrs Jennifer Odonwodo, expressed deep gratitude to the guild for honouring her late husband and securing a legacy for their children.
“It’s a day filled with mixed emotions, but I’m grateful that his hard work and dedication to the industry are being recognised. “This shows that he truly lives on,” she said.
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