President Bola Tinubu has expressed condolences to the family, colleagues and fans of veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru, who died at the age of 57 after a brief illness.
The condolence message was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
THE PRESIDENT’S TRIBUTE
Tinubu described Duru’s death as a painful loss to the Nigerian film industry and the country’s creative community.
The statement read: “President Tinubu acknowledges the important role veteran actors like Duru played in the growth and development of Nigeria’s film industry, particularly in shaping its artistic identity, nurturing emerging talent, and projecting Nigerian stories, culture, and values to audiences at home and abroad”.
He noted that the legacies of artists who dedicate their lives to entertaining, educating and inspiring society endure beyond their lifetime.
He added that Duru’s contributions would remain part of Nollywood’s history and Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
“The President notes that the legacies of artists who devote their lives to entertaining, educating, and inspiring society endure long after their departure. He affirms that Duru’s contributions to Nollywood will remain part of the industry’s rich history and cultural heritage”.
Tinubu prayed for the peaceful repose of the actor’s soul and asked God to comfort his family, friends, colleagues and admirers.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s recognition of the contributions of the arts and entertainment industry to national development, cultural preservation and Nigeria’s international image .
THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF FRANCIS DURU
Duru, who began his acting career in 1989, became widely known for his role as Ahanna in Rattlesnake, the 1995 film produced by the late filmmaker Amaka Igwe .
Born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, Duru completed his primary and secondary education in Cameroon before moving to Nigeria for university studies.
He studied Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1996.
He made his film debut in Missing Mark in 1989. Over his decades-long career, he featured in several Nigerian films, including Blood Money (1997), Stigma (2013) and Mboputa (2020).
In 2020, he won the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) award at the Best of Nollywood Awards for his performance in Mboputa. He also received the United Nations Ambassador of Peace award in 2007 in recognition of his influence on young people.
Duru served as interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria in 2010 and was nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards that year.
He is survived by his wife, Adokiye, and children.
WHY IT MATTERS
Francis Duru was one of the actors who defined the golden era of Nollywood. His performance in Rattlesnake made him a household name, and he remained active in the industry for more than three decades.
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His death is a loss not just to his family, but to the millions of Nigerians who grew up watching him on screen.
ValidViewNetwork extends its condolences to the Duru family and the Nigerian creative community.