Nollywood actress Ini Edo has reacted to the tragic death of her colleague Pope Odondwo, popularly known as Junior Pope, who lost his life in a river while shooting a movie.
In a poignant statement, Edo lamented the poor structure of the industry and called for urgent reforms to prevent further tragedies.
Edo criticized the lack of regulation and safety measures within the industry, attributing Junior Pope’s death to negligence and the absence of adequate safeguards. She expressed sorrow over his passing and emphasized the need for systemic changes to ensure the safety of all involved in film production.
Jnr Pope did not have to sacrifice his life for Nollywood to realize the need for a long and much-needed regulatory structure that would safeguard an entire production,” Edo remarked. She highlighted the prevalence of negligence among producers and urged aspiring filmmakers to refrain from taking on roles for which they are unqualified.
The actress called Junior Pope’s death a profound loss and stressed the importance of his sacrifice in prompting industry-wide reforms. She called for practical rules and regulations to be implemented to address emergencies and ensure the well-being of everyone on set.
Expressing her grief over the untimely loss, Edo expressed frustration at the premature departure of talented individuals from the industry. She mourned Junior Pope’s passing and extended her condolences to his loved ones, acknowledging the deep impact of his death on the Nollywood community.
Meanwhile, Adanma Luke, the producer of the movie in which Junior Pope lost his life, has faced online criticism for alleged negligence. The incident has sparked calls for accountability and heightened awareness of safety protocols within the industry.
