The Enugu state government is set to collaborate with the families of the late actors John Okafor, also known as Mr Ibu, and Obumneme Odonwodo, aka Junior Pope, to organise dignified burials for them.
In an interview on Friday, Aka Eze Aka, the commissioner for information and communication, expressed the Enugu State government’s deep sorrow over the loss of these two actors, emphasising the government’s commitment to ensuring they receive proper send-offs.
Aka mentioned ongoing discussions with Junior Pope’s family to coordinate a fitting burial, with no set date yet but efforts underway to honour the actor’s memory. Additionally, the Enugu state government intends to be well-represented at Mr Ibu’s burial scheduled for June 28.
Explaining the delay in the state’s response to Junior Pope’s passing, Mr. Aka cited the circumstances surrounding his death.
Furthermore, the commissioner noted that the government had opened a state register to commemorate Junior Pope’s passing, recognising it as a national tragedy that deeply affected the nation.
Mr Aka said, “We felt that there are so many fans who would like to express themselves by saying one or two things about him, and we opened a condolence register to allow them to do that. The government does not celebrate death, but when it happens, we do the needful.”
He echoed Governor Peter Mbah’s intent to build an entertainment village to boost the entertainment industry in the state.
He emphasised Governor Peter Mbah’s dedication to bolstering the entertainment sector in the state, particularly as many talents were relocating elsewhere. This commitment includes the establishment of an entertainment village.
Junior Pope, a native of Ukehe in Igbo-Etiti LGA, tragically lost his life alongside three colleagues in a boat accident on the River Niger while returning from a movie shoot on April 10.
Similarly, Mr Ibu, from Amuri in Nkanu West LGA, passed away on March 2 after battling stroke, diabetes, and kidney failure.