The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 Polls, Peter Obi, has expressed condolences over the passing of Nollywood actor Pope Obumneme Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope, stating that his death is a significant loss to Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Mr. Obi conveyed his shock at the untimely demise of the actor, whom he described as ‘vibrant’, emphasizing the devastation caused by Junior Pope’s death due to the promising future his talent held.
In a concise statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the former Anambra State governor extended heartfelt sympathies to the late actor’s family, as well as to the families of others who lost their lives in the tragic boat mishap.
Mr. Obi offered prayers for strength and resilience to the actor’s family, his admirers, and all Nigerians in coping with this loss.
Below is Peter Obi’s complete statement.
“I am shocked by the reports of the death of yet another vibrant Nollywood actor, Pope Obumneme Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope. Our entertainment industry, and indeed our dear nation, is once again thrown into mourning, by the death of this young talented actor.
“His death is yet another great loss to the entertainment industry which has in recent years risen to become a most vibrant sector of our social and economic life. I am even more saddened to imagine the pain and agony of the families they have just left behind.
“Death is a very painful experience, but the death of a young one with a promising future is even more devastating. I sincerely commiserate with his family and the families of others who also lost their lives in the boat accident.
“I also condole with the Actors Guild of Nigeria, and the entire entertainment industry. May God give them, and all of us, the fortitude to bear this sad irreplaceable loss, and grant eternal rest to the dead. ”