By Chesa Chesa
President Bola Tinubu has mourned veteran Nollywood actor, Richard Francis Duru, who died at the age of 57.
The President, in a condolence message issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, extended his sympathies to Duru’s family, colleagues, fans and the Nigerian film industry.
Tinubu described the actor’s death as a painful loss to Nollywood and the nation’s creative community, acknowledging the contributions of industry pioneers to the growth and development of Nigerian cinema.
He noted that veteran actors such as Duru had played important roles in shaping the artistic identity of Nollywood, nurturing emerging talents and projecting Nigerian stories, culture and values to audiences at home and abroad.
According to the President, the legacies of artists who dedicate their lives to entertaining, educating and inspiring society endure beyond their lifetime.
He said Duru’s contributions would remain part of Nollywood’s history and Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
Tinubu prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul and asked God to grant his family, friends, colleagues and admirers the strength to bear the loss.
The President 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.
