The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has formed a committee to enhance member safety in the wake of the recent boat accident that claimed Junior Pope’s life.
Actor Pope passed away on Wednesday following his fall into the River Niger in Asaba, Delta state, while travelling to a filming site.
Along with other actors and staff personnel, the movie star was travelling.
On Thursday, AGN halted all film productions including riverine settings.
In a statement released on Saturday by the guild spokesman Kate Henshaw, the 13-member committee will “fine-tune the existing bye-laws to include members welfare, standard safety guidelines,” according to AGN President Emeka Rollas.
The AGN chairman added that the committee will collaborate with other groups and guilds to “draft a bye-law” and suggest sanctions for noncompliance.
The group would suggest creating a “royalty collecting body for performers in Nollywood,” Rollas continued.
The committee will be headed by Emeka Ike while Jude Orhorha will serve as secretary.
Other members include Joke Silva, Femi Branch, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, and Patience Ozokwor.
“Following the recent fatal boat mishap on river Niger which claimed the lives of five film practitioners including renowned actor, John Paul Odonwodo aka Junior Pope in Asaba, Delta State, the National President, of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Dr. Ejezie Emeka Rollas, MON, has set up a special committee with the following terms of reference,” the statement reads in part.
“Fine tune the existing bye laws to include members welfare, standard safety guidelines, and set protocols.
“Engage all relevant Guilds and Associations for the full implementation.
“Also Recommend disciplinary measures against erring members, producers and production companies.
“Seek further engagement with other Guilds/Associations and relevant stakeholders on drafting a general bye law for the industry.
“Recommend possible requirements in setting up a royalty collecting body or rights collecting society for performers in Nollywood.”
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