President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the death of veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru, describing his passing as a painful loss to Nigeria’s film industry and the wider creative community.
Duru died at the age of 57 after a brief illness, leaving colleagues, fans and other stakeholders in the entertainment industry mourning his departure.
Tinubu’s condolence message was conveyed in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga on Friday.
The President extended his sympathies to the actor’s family, friends, colleagues and admirers, while acknowledging the contributions of veteran performers to the growth of Nigeria’s film industry.
He noted that actors such as Duru had helped shape Nollywood’s artistic identity, nurture emerging talents and promote Nigerian stories, culture and values to audiences both within the country and internationally.
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According to Tinubu, the late actor’s work would remain an important part of the nation’s cultural heritage, adding that the contributions of artists who use their talents to entertain, educate and inspire society continue to resonate beyond their lifetime.
The President prayed for the peaceful repose of Duru’s soul and asked God to comfort his family, colleagues and fans as they come to terms with the loss.
Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s recognition of the creative industry’s role in national development, cultural preservation and projecting Nigeria’s image to the rest of the world.
