Enugu: The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has launched Junior Pope Nollywood City in Enugu State, spanning 150 plots to honour the late Nollywood actor, JohnPaul Odonwodo, known as Junior Pope.
The guild also allocated one plot of land to each of three of Junior Pope’s sons as a legacy for their father’s contributions to the AGN and the Nollywood industry.
The actor died in April 2025 with four colleagues after their boat capsized in the Anam River during filming.
At the groundbreaking in Ako Nike, Enugu, AGN National President Emeka-Rollas Ejezie called the event historic and the start of a lasting legacy.
He dedicated the project to Junior Pope, whose life showed discipline, excellence, and deep love for Nigerian film.
“Though he left too soon, his spirit inspires us to build enduring structures.
“It plants a seed for shelter, opportunity, unity, and remembrance,” Ejezie said.
He said the city demonstrates AGN’s commitment to member welfare, as actors have long shaped Nigeria’s culture with little support.
“Today, we say clearly that the welfare of our members is not a slogan – it is a responsibility. Through this project, Nollywood practitioners will have access to affordable land ownership.
“The Guild will set up the Junior Pope Creative Hub and permanent AGN Zonal and Enugu State Secretariats.
“Training, administration, and creativity will now have a home in Enugu,” he explained.
Commending AGN Enugu Chapter for the initiative, Ejezie pointed out that Enugu had always been a historic centre of arts and culture, adding that the project would further strengthen that position.
We thank the Enugu State Government for supporting Nollywood and recognising the industry’s role in driving growth and creating jobs for youth.
“I thank our partners, Cool Brains Real Estate, and the people of Ako Nike Community for their trust and cooperation,” he said.
The AGN National President-elect, Alhaji Abubakar Yakubu, pledged that the incoming executive would make the project a top priority.
Brown Ene, AGN Enugu Chairman and project initiator, said the land boosts Nollywood’s image and member welfare.
“So this is part of our progress in making sure that members of our guild
have an affordable home in Enugu and
We are naming it after our brother, who died in a boat mishap, to further immortalise him.
“It is also to give encouragement to the younger actors, showing them that the more you keep projecting the image of the organisation and being responsible enough, the guild will definitely do things to remember you.
“Junior Pope’s three sons will have a plot of land each, and the allocation has already been done and will be presented to their mother on their behalf,” Ene said.
Junior Pope’s wife, Mrs Jennifer Odonwodo, thanked the guild for immortalising her late husband and for giving her children plots of land. “It’s a significant day, carrying a complex mix of sadness and appreciation.”
“I wish he were here and still being honoured, but nevertheless, I’m happy it’s happening.
“It’s proof to show that indeed he truly lives on because while he was here, he worked so hard for the industry,” she said.
