13th April, 2024
Following the death of Nollywood actor, John Paul Odonwodo, aka Junior Pope in a boat accident, the President, Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas, has set up a committee to for the safety and welfare of members.
The Guild revealed this development in a statement signed by its Director of Communications, Kate Henshaw.
The statement said: “Following the recent fatal boat mishap on the River Niger which claimed the lives of five film practitioners, including renowned actor, John Paul Odonwodo, aka Junior Pope, in Asaba, Delta State, the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Dr. Ejezie Emeka Rollas, has set up a special committee.”
The committee according to the statement is to “Fine tune the existing bye laws to include members welfare, standard safety guidelines, and set protocols.
“Engage all relevant guilds and associations for the full implementation.
“Also recommend disciplinary measures against erring members, producers, and production companies.
“Seek further engagement with other guilds/associations and relevant stakeholders on drafting a general bye law for the industry.
“Recommend possible requirements in setting up a royalty collecting body or rights collecting society for performers in Nollywood.”
The committee has Emeka Ike as leader and Jude Orhorha as secretary. Others on the committee are: Joke Silva, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Francis Duru, Bimbo Manuel, Patience Ozokwor, Hilda Dokubo, Abubakar Yakubu, Gideon Okeke, Anthony Ogbetere, Femi Branch, and Kevin Uvo.