Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured the state chapter of Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and Nollywood practitioners that his administration will give deserving honour to Precious Chimaobi Ofurum, a Rivers indigene, who died alongside Junior Pope in the ill-fated boat accident last week.
Fubara gave the assurance when members of the Association, visited the Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday, April 17, to show solidarity with their late member and to formally inform the Government of the unfortunate incident.
The Governor, who was represented by the Head of Rivers State Civil Service, George Nwaeke, said their visit brought to the knowledge of the government that an indigene of the state was one of the victims.
He commended the Nollywood practitioners for demonstrating solidarity with one of their own, saying it was an indication that the 26-year-old Ofurum was distinguished among them.
Fubara said: “The entire Rivers State extends our condolences to the family. No one can heal the wound better than God. We heard of the sad news, but honestly, I never knew Rivers person was involved. So, as I came and heard of the subject of this visit, I was devastated and the entire people of Rivers State were very sad.
“I want to tell his family, as sad as it is, you should still draw consolation from this: that your son died a hero. He was one of the heroes that Nigeria has ever produced.
“People of his age are leaving the shores of Nigeria but he was very proud of Nigeria, and remained here to salvage the image of and create a name for Nigeria. I am happy to say Precious Chimaobi Ofurum was our ambassador in the comity of actors.
“The governor is a development-friendly leader. He is a youth like you. Our Governor is one who loves to make the State proud. He is happy when people from the State excel. He will always identify with them. So, even in death, I can assure you that the Governor will do honour to our departed son, Precious Chimaobi Ofurum.”
In his presentation, the Convener of the solidarity visit, Mr. Eric Stevenson, said on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, some actors returning from a movie set, were involved in a boat mishap in Asaba, Delta State.
He lamented that Precious, an indigene of Rivers State, was among those who died in the incident.
Stevenson explained that other states had reached out to claim their own and offered support to the families but regretted that none had come to Precious.
In a chat with Africa Update, a top Nollywood practitioner and Chairman of the Actors Guild in the State, Ken Osunwa, said: “Nollywood Rivers State walk today ( April 16) for our colleague that died in Asaba Delta last week.
“The boy late Precious is from Ubima, in Ikwerre LGA but practising his craft in Delta state. He died along side 5 others in the boat mishap. Our walk was basically for solidarity and to cry for help for the family and to reposition Nollywood industry in the state so as to accommodate more talented youths and individuals interested in entertainment business.”
