The governor of Anambra state, Chukwuma Soludo, has expressed his condolences for Junior Pope and the crew members who died in the boat disaster.
The actor and other team members died on Wednesday after their boat sank inside the River Niger in Asaba, Delta state, on their way to a filming location.
The governor’s press secretary, Christain Aburime, issued a statement in which Soludo expressed his condolences to the victims’ families for what he called a “painful loss.”
In addition, the governor “expressed deep regrets” for the “unfortunate circumstances” that led to the deaths of young, gifted Nigerians like Junior Pope and others.
In addition, he prayed for them to rest in peace and hoped that their loved ones, friends, and coworkers would find comfort in their beloved memories.
Soludo also reminded fellow Nollywood actors to always take the required water safety precautions in order to protect their life.
He claimed that the tragedy has highlighted how important it is to put basic safety precautions in place for Nigerian water transportation.
“These include the acquisition of life jackets, employment of lifeguards, and provision of first aid such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to individuals in distress,” he said.
He also expressed his full support for the development of the creative entertainment industry.
Earlier, Hannatu Musawa, the minister of art, culture, and the creative economy, mourned Junior Pope, and Saratu Gidado, the Kannywood actress who passed away earlier in the week.
The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) also suspended all movies involving riverine locations, following the death of Pope.
The AGN also set up a committee to improve the safety of its members.
