Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the Actors Guild of Nigeria, and the entire Nollywood industry following the tragic loss of their members in a recent fatal boat accident along the River Niger en route to a movie location.
According to reports from PUNCH Online, four actors, including Junior Pope, lost their lives in the ill-fated boat accident on the Anam River while on their way to a movie shoot.
In a press statement issued by his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, on Saturday, Governor Soludo expressed deep regret that talented and promising young Nigerians like Junior Pope and others lost their lives in such unfortunate circumstances while pursuing their career dreams.
Soludo emphasized the importance of implementing basic safety measures in water transportation in Nigeria, such as the procurement of life jackets, hiring of lifeguards, and administration of first aid like CPR to victims. He urged Nollywood practitioners to prioritize these safety precautions during riverside engagements to prevent future tragedies.
Furthermore, Governor Soludo affirmed his unwavering support for the development of the creative entertainment industry. He highlighted ongoing initiatives by the Anambra State Government, including the construction of the ‘Solution Fun City’ in Awka, the remodelling of Agulu Lake as a tourist attraction, and the modernization of the water transportation system to boost tourism and economic activities in the state.