Nollywood has lost one of its seasoned voices, with President Bola Tinubu paying tribute to veteran actor Richard Francis Duru, who has died at the age of 57.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the actor’s passing as a painful loss to the film industry and the wider creative community in Nigeria.
He extended his condolences to Duru’s family, colleagues, fans and the entire Nollywood fraternity.
President Tinubu recognised the role played by veteran actors in the growth of the country’s film industry, noting their influence in shaping its artistic identity, nurturing young talents and taking Nigerian stories, culture and values to audiences at home and abroad.
He observed that the legacies of artists who devote their lives to entertaining, educating and inspiring society outlive them, adding that Duru’s work would remain a lasting part of Nollywood’s history and cultural heritage.
The President also restated his administration’s acknowledgment of the arts and entertainment sector as a contributor to national development, cultural preservation and Nigeria’s image around the world.
He prayed for the repose of the actor’s soul and asked God to grant his family, friends, colleagues and admirers the strength to bear the loss.
