David Ochayi
The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has inaugurated the Junior Pope Nollywood City in Enugu, a visionary project spanning 150 plotted acres in tribute to the late screen icon, JohnPaul Odonwodo, famously known as Junior Pope.
In a heartfelt gesture, the guild has granted individual plots of land to each of Junior Pope’s three sons, ensuring his enduring legacy within the industry.
The veteran actor tragically perished in a boating accident on the Anam River in April 2025 while filming, alongside four fellow cast members.
During the ceremonial launch at Ako Nike, AGN National President Emeka-Rollas Ejezie hailed the initiative as both a tribute and a transformative milestone for Nigerian cinema.
He reflected on Junior Pope’s unwavering professionalism and passion, stating: “His legacy isn’t confined to memory—it’s etched into this city’s foundations, where future generations of creatives will thrive.”
The development will feature the Junior Pope Creative Hub and serve as the permanent administrative base for AGN’s Enugu operations, addressing long-standing gaps in industry infrastructure.
Ejezie emphasized the project’s broader significance: “This is more than real estate—it’s our commitment to empowering actors with tangible assets, something historically overlooked despite their cultural contributions.”
AGN Enugu Chapter Chairman Brown Ene, the project’s architect, revealed the symbolic naming rationale: “Beyond memorializing our colleague, this city demonstrates that dedication to craft yields enduring recognition. Each of Junior Pope’s children now holds title to land—a permanent reminder of their father’s impact.”
Jennifer Odonwodo, the late actor’s widow, accepted the honors with poignant appreciation: “While bittersweet, today confirms his life’s work continues to inspire. This city immortalizes not just his name, but the values he championed.”
The initiative has garnered support from Cool Brains Real Estate and the Enugu State Government, signaling growing institutional recognition for Nollywood’s economic potential.
