The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has immortalised late Nollywood actor John Paul “Junior Pope” Odonwodo with the unveiling of a Nollywood City in Enugu State.
The project, unveiled on Tuesday, January 27, at Ako Nike in Enugu, comprises 150 plots of land and is designed to provide Nollywood practitioners with access to affordable land ownership.
As part of the initiative, the AGN also allocated one plot of land each to Junior Pope’s three sons in recognition of their father’s contributions to the guild and the Nigerian film industry.
Speaking at the ceremony, AGN National President, Emeka-Rollas Ejezie, described the event as historic and the beginning of a lasting legacy. He said the project was dedicated to the memory of Junior Pope, whom he described as a man of discipline, excellence, and deep passion for Nollywood.
“Though he left us too soon, his spirit continues to inspire us to build structures that will outlive us all,” Ejezie said. “This is the planting of a seed that will grow into shelter, opportunity, unity, and remembrance.”
Ejezie explained that the Nollywood City reflects the guild’s renewed commitment to the welfare of its members, noting that actors have long contributed to Nigeria’s cultural identity without sufficient institutional support.
“Today, we say clearly that the welfare of our members is not a slogan – it is a responsibility,” he said. “Through this project, Nollywood practitioners will have access to affordable land ownership.”
He further revealed plans to establish the Junior Pope Creative Hub, as well as a permanent AGN Zonal and Enugu State Secretariat within the city, providing a physical home for training, administration and creative activities in the state.
The AGN National President-elect, Alhaji Abubakar Yakubu, pledged that the incoming leadership would prioritise the completion and development of the project.
Also speaking, Chairman of the AGN Enugu Chapter and initiator of the project, Brown Ene, said the land was acquired to enhance the image of Nollywood and improve members’ welfare.
“This is part of our progress in ensuring that members of our guild have access to affordable housing in Enugu,” Ene said. “We named it after our brother who died in a boat mishap to further immortalise him and to encourage younger actors.”
He confirmed that Junior Pope’s three sons have each been allocated a plot of land, which will be formally presented to their mother on their behalf.
Junior Pope’s widow, Jennifer Odonwodo, who attended the ceremony, expressed gratitude to the guild for honouring her late husband and supporting their children.
“It’s indeed a great day, even though it’s filled with mixed emotions,” she said. “I wish he were here to witness this, but I’m grateful. This shows that he truly lives on through the work he did for the industry.”
