The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has honoured the late Nollywood actor, John Paul Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope, by unveiling a Nollywood City in Enugu State in his memory.
The project, situated in Ako Nike, Enugu State, consists of 150 plots of land and is aimed at providing Nollywood practitioners with affordable opportunities for land ownership. In a further show of support, the guild allocated one plot of land each to Junior Pope’s three sons, acknowledging their father’s contributions to the AGN and the Nigerian film industry.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony on Tuesday, AGN National President, Emeka-Rollas Ejezie, described the initiative as a landmark achievement and a lasting tribute to the late actor. He noted that although Junior Pope’s life was cut short, his legacy continues to inspire meaningful projects that will endure beyond the present generation.
Ejezie explained that the Nollywood City underscores the guild’s dedication to the welfare of its members, pointing out that actors have long played a vital role in shaping Nigeria’s cultural identity with limited institutional backing.
He added that the development will also feature the Junior Pope Creative Hub, alongside permanent AGN Zonal and Enugu State secretariats, to support training, administration, and creative endeavours.
Junior Pope’s widow, Jennifer Odonwodo, expressed gratitude to the guild for immortalising her late husband and for the support extended to their children, describing the gesture as deeply touching and meaningful.