A Lasting Legacy - The Birth of Junior Pope Nollywood City

The Nigerian film industry is known for its heart, but a new project in Enugu State is proving that Nollywood also takes care of its own. In a moving tribute to a fallen star, the outgoing President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) recently announced the groundbreaking of Junior Pope Nollywood City in Ako Nike.

​This project isn’t just a construction site; it is a promise kept. Named in honor of the late Junior Pope Odowodu, a beloved actor and friend who passed away in 2024 in an accident while at work, this city is designed to be a permanent home for creativity and a safety net for those who work in front of and behind the camera.

​The vision for Junior Pope Nollywood City is multifaceted. At its core, it aims to solve a major problem for many creative professionals: affordable housing. By providing land specifically for Nollywood practitioners, the AGN is ensuring that actors and crew members have a place to call their own.

​But the plan goes further than residential plots. The site will house the Junior Pope Creative Hub, a space dedicated to training and nurturing the next generation of talent. It will also serve as the administrative heart of the region, hosting both the AGN Zonal and Enugu State Secretariats. This means that for the first time, the guild in Enugu will have a dedicated, permanent base to handle the welfare and business of its members.

​One of the most emotional moments of the ceremony involved Junior Pope’s family. To ensure his children are part of this legacy, three plots of land were officially presented to his wife for their three sons. It was a powerful gesture that showed the guild’s commitment to supporting the families of their colleagues, even after they are gone.

​Additionally, land was allocated to the Enugu State Chapter and the South East Zonal offices. This move, spearheaded by the outgoing President Emeka Rollas and supported by leaders like Prince Brown Ene and Mr. Anigbo Clement (AB Cowboy), sets a high standard for leadership within the guild.

​Building a city takes a village or in this case, an entire state. The project is a result of a strong partnership between the AGN, the Enugu State Government, and the Ako Nike community. Private developers, specifically Young Minds and Cool Brains Real Estate Management, are also on board to ensure the vision becomes a reality. This collaboration shows how the creative economy can drive real estate development and provide jobs for local residents.

​For members of the guild looking to secure their future, the timeline for participation is short. The President announced that Expressions of Interest will open on February 5, 2026, and close on February 20, 2026.

​If you are a Nollywood practitioner interested in being part of this historic move, you are encouraged to send a message via WhatsApp to +234 806 231 0426. Official land allocation is scheduled to begin on February 27, 2026. As always, terms and conditions apply to ensure the process is fair and organized.

​As the AGN President prepares to hand over his leadership, Junior Pope Nollywood City stands as his "Last Legacy." It is a project rooted in dignity and unity. It reminds us that while stars may fade, the impact they leave behind and the way their colleagues honor them can build a foundation for generations to come.