In response to the sudden death of actor Junior Pope, the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has vowed to take decisive action against movie producers who neglect safety measures during film shoots nationwide.
Veteran actors, including Kanayo Kanayo and Jim Iyke, have thrown their support behind this initiative, emphasising the critical importance of prioritising safety on film sets.
In his statement, Iyke said his heart is filled with many unanswered questions over the devastating loss of his colleague, describing Pope’s death as a different pain to deal with.
“I am broken in ways I can’t explain at the moment”, he said.
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On his part, Kanayo Kanayo called upon the AGN to enforce sanctions against producers who fail to adhere to professional engagement and safety standards.
Actresses Shan George, Ruth Kadiri, and Ini Edo have joined in this call to action, attributing Pope’s untimely demise to negligence and stressing the need to ensure the safety of all cast and crew members.
Ruth Kadiri, herself a producer, acknowledged the industry’s responsibility for neglecting safety measures, while Ini Edo emphasised the urgency of implementing stringent protocols to prevent future accidents.
Veteran actor Sam Dede mourned the loss of Junior Pope and highlighted the imperative for producers to prioritise the safety and well-being of everyone involved in filmmaking.
He described Pope as one actor who always delivered unbelievable performances anytime he was called to play an action role.
Kanayo Kanayo and other industry veterans stress the importance of not only enforcing safety standards but also providing care and support for the families of actors affected by such tragedies.
In addition to these measures, our correspondent learnt that the AGN, led by Emeka Rollas, is actively organising support for Junior Pope’s family during this challenging period, including his wife and three children, by offering condolences and assistance.
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