Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured the state chapter of the Actors Guild of Nigeria and Nollywood practitioners that Precious Ofurum, a Rivers indigene who was involved in a boat mishap recently in Asaba, Delta State, will receive deserving honours.
Recall that some Nollywood actors, including Junior Pope, lost their lives in a boat accident while returning from a movie shooting scene in Delta State.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance when members of the organisation (AGN) came to Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday to show solidarity with their late member and to formally inform the Government of the unfortunate incident.
The Rivers State Governor, who was represented by the Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr George Nwaeke, said it was their visit that informed the government that an indigenous of the State was one of the victims.
Governor Fubara commended the Nollywood practitioners who have demonstrated enviable solidarity with one of their own, suggesting that the 26-year-old Precious Chimaobi Ofurum was distinguished among them.
The Governor described the passing of Precious in that ill-fated film shooting trip as unfortunate because he was already an exemplary Nigerian who had demonstrated the success any determined person could clinch while remaining in the country.
He 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 calve a name for Nigeria. I am happy to say Precious Chimaobi Ofurum was our own ambassador in the comity of actors.”
Governor Fubara said his Administration is youth-friendly and will never overlook what it will do for the bereaved family of a Rivers youth who utilised his talent productively.
“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, ” he said.
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 Ofurum, an indigene of Rivers State, was among those who died in the incident.
Stevenson explained that other states have reached out to claim their own and offered support to the families but regretted that none has come for Ofurum.
He added that, based on this development, they decided to notify the state government about the visit to comfort the bereaved family.
He expressed satisfaction with the governor’s response and hoped that the state government would take action soon.
