The tragic death of Nigerian actor Junior Pope has shaken the Nollywood industry to its core.
The 42-year-old actor, known for his roles in over 100 films, drowned in the River Niger after a boat he was traveling in collided with a fishing canoe.
The incident has sparked a conversation about safety standards in Nollywood, with actors calling for change.
The Actors Guild of Nigeria has suspended all filming near rivers and is pushing for the implementation of safety regulations.
A preliminary report by the Nigerian Safety Investigations Bureau revealed several failings in the fatal accident, including the driver not being certified and the lack of life jackets on board.
The lone survivor who had a life jacket had brought it themselves.
Junior Pope’s close friend, Ruth Kadiri, spoke about the need for better safety measures in the industry. She recounted her own near-drowning experience during filming and emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety.
While some improvements have been made, such as avoiding late-night shoots to prevent dangerous journeys home, there is still significant room for growth.
Kadiri suggested the establishment of a safety regulatory body to oversee film sets and ensure proper measures are in place.
The tragic loss of Junior Pope has served as a wake-up call for the industry to prioritize safety and create a safer working environment for all actors.
His untimely death has left a lasting impact on Nollywood, prompting a necessary shift towards better safety practices.
