By Uche Amunike
There seems to be a flicker of hope for the Odonwodo family, from where late Nollywood actor, Emeka Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope hails from, as popular business tycoon and Chief Executive Officer of Five Star Music, Emeka Okonkwo, also known as E-Money, declared that he would raise and nurture the three children left behind by the deceased.
Recall that Junior Pope died from a boat accident, alongside four other actors after their boat capsized in the River Niger, as they traveled back from the venue of a movie set in Anam, a riverine area in Anambra State, to Asaba, from where they took off.
Speaking, through his official Instagram page, Wednesday, E-money mourned the late thespian, whom he referred to as a brother and friend. He also gave hope to the family of the deceased by committing himself to be the person that will nurture, mentor and raise the three boys left behind by his friend, Junior Pope.
His words: ‘It has been one week since you departed from this world, leaving behind a profound sense of loss that reverberates, not only among us, but also across Africa and beyond.’
‘Your presence, as both a friend and a brother, is deeply missed, JP. The weight of your absence bears heavily upon our hearts, yet we draw comfort from the belief that God will grant us the resilience to carry forward and uphold the legacy you’ve entrusted to us.’
He further stated: ‘We tenderly remember your final words on the boat, ‘Na only me dem born, I get three children, na me go raise them,’ and we solemnly commit to honoring that vow.’
‘Your children now find solace in the embrace of the Okonkwo family, and we, as members of that family, pledge to nurture them as you would have wished.’
‘Your absence leaves a palpable void, JP, and your memory will forever be held dear. Rest peacefully, knowing that you are deeply cherished, and may God’s blessings encompass your soul, your family, and all who hold you in their hearts’, he concluded.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an investigation into the boat accident that claimed the lives of the four Nollywood actors, namely Junior Pope, Precious Oforum, Abigail Frederick and Joseph Anointing.
Recall that the ill-fated boat which eventually capsized was carrying 12 crew members of the movie set and a boat operator.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Bimbo Oladeji, has affirmed in a statement made available to pressmen, that the bureau has despatched a team of investigators to the site of the accident. She made it clear that her team will examine the wreckage from both vessels involved in the accident, conduct interviews with the surviving crew members and also analyze the review of operational procedures for the commercial speed boat.
Her words: ‘The NSIB extends its deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this heartbreaking accident.’
