• Ali Nuhu stated that Nollywood Stakeholders have been pained by the frequent recent losses robbing the country of legendary filmmakers.
• Nuhu pledged that the NFC would continue to support the film industry policy initiatives to promote friendly and safe working conditions for its actors
• Nuhu also sent out his condolences to the immediate families, friends and associates of the deceased, as well as the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and prayed that God grant them eternal rest.

Nollywood has been deeply saddened by the recent deaths of Saratu Gidado, also known as Daso, and John Odonwodo, better known as Junior Pope, according to Ali Nuhu, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC).

Ali Nuhu expressed his devastation over the losses and described them as heart-wrenching for both colleagues and stakeholders in the Nigerian film industry.

The deaths of Gidado and Odonwodo, which occurred within the same week, have left the Nigerian movie industry in a state of mourning.

Nollywood has been greatly affected by the recent loss of legendary filmmakers who have made significant contributions to its growth.

Their immense impact on the development of Nigerian cinema will never be forgotten, Nuhu assured.

“Stakeholders have been pained by the frequent recent losses robbing the country of legendary filmmakers, who have impacted and contributed greatly to the growth of Nigeria’s film industry.

“Their footprints within the development of the Nigerian film industry will not be forgotten,” he said.

Ali Nuhu highlighted Gidado’s popularity among Nigerians, particularly as a lead actress in various Kannywood films like “Linzami Da Wuta” and “Gidauniya.” She was honored as a recipient of the Zuma Film Festival (ZUFF) 2023 Lifetime Achievers Award. Unfortunately, she passed away in the early hours of Tuesday, April 9.

Junior Pope, according to Ali Nuhu, played a significant role in showcasing the professional skills and screen charisma of actors in films such as “Honey Money,” “Blood Affair,” and “Wrong Initiation.”

“Saratu was a Zuma Film Festival (ZUFF) 2023 Life Time Achievers Awardee but sadly succumbed to death in the early hours of Tuesday, April 9.

“Odonwodo’s role in showcasing the professional competencies and screen delivery by actors is remarkable, as can be found in Honey Money, Blood Affair and Wrong Initiation movies that the late actor acted.

“Mr Ibu evoked laughter and comic reliefs, leaving behind a gap to be filled, the refined gentlemen shall be greatly missed,” he added.

Ali Nuhu assured that the NFC will continue to support policy initiatives that prioritize friendly and safe working conditions for those in the film industry.

He also extended his sympathies to the immediate families, friends, and associates of the deceased, as well as the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN). Nuhu prayed for eternal rest for the departed and solace for their loved ones.