Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
Rivers State Governor, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, has assured the state chapter of Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and Nollywood members that the state government will honour Precious Chimaobi Ofurum, a Rivers State indigene who died in a boat mishap in Anam River in Anambra State.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance yesterday when members of the organisation show solidarity to their late member, visited the Government House in Port Harcourt, to formally inform the government of the incident.
Precious Ofurum, alongside a popular Nollywood actor, John Odonwodo, popularly known as ‘Junior Pope’ and other crew members, was a victim in the recent boat mishap that claimed the lives of five persons.
The state governor, who was represented by the Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, said it was their visit that has brought to the knowledge of government that an indigene of the state was one of the victims.
Fubara commended the Nollywood members for demonstrating what he described as enviable solidarity to one of their own, which he said suggested that the 26-year old Precious was distinguished among them.
He described the passing of Precious in the ill-fated film shooting trip as unfortunate because he was already an exemplary Nigerian who has demonstrated the success any determined person can clinch while remaining in the country.
According to him, “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 am devastated and the entire people of Rivers State are 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; 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 described his administration as youth-friendly, and will never over look what it will do for the bereaved family of a Rivers youth who utilised his talent productively.
