The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has unveiled “Junior Pope Nollywood City” in Enugu to honour the late actor John Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope.
The project consists of 150 plots of land. The guild also set aside one plot each for Junior Pope’s three sons in recognition of their father’s contribution to the film industry.
Junior Pope died in April when a boat carrying him and four other crew members capsized on the Anam River during a film shoot.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony in Ako Nike, Enugu State, AGN National President Emeka Rollas described the project as a lasting tribute to the actor and a significant step for the guild.
He said, “Though he left us too soon, his spirit continues to inspire us to build structures that will outlive us all. It is the planting of a seed that will grow into shelter, opportunity, unity, and remembrance.”
Ejezie added, “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.”
Plans for the site include a Junior Pope Creative Hub as well as a permanent AGN zonal and Enugu State secretariat, which will serve as a training and administrative centre.
Chairman of the AGN Enugu Chapter, Brown Ene, said the land was acquired to improve members’ welfare and strengthen Nollywood’s presence in the state.
“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,” he said. “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.”
Junior Pope’s wife, Jennifer Odonwodo, thanked the guild for the gesture.
“It’s indeed a great day, even though it’s a day filled with mixed feelings and emotions. I wish he was here and still being honoured, but nevertheless I’m happy it’s happening. It’s a proof to show that indeed he truly lives on because while he was here, he worked so hard for the industry,” she said.
Junior Pope began his acting career in 2006 and featured in over 150 films. He was known for his roles in several popular Nollywood productions and received multiple awards during his career.
