The family of late Nollywood actor Francis Duru has announced funeral arrangements, with the burial and interment scheduled to take place in his hometown in Imo State.
The arrangements were announced on the actor’s official Instagram page on Monday, outlining two services of songs ahead of his burial.
According to the announcement, the first service of songs will hold on Wednesday, November 25, at the Family Worship Centre, Idris Gidado Street, Wuye, Abuja, by 5pm.
A second service of songs is scheduled for Thursday, December 10, at the actor’s family compound in Okai, Eziama, Isiala Mbano, Imo State.
The funeral and interment will follow on Friday, December 11, at the same venue.
The announcement, signed by his son, Ebuka Duru, and sister, Anthonia Chenyi, on behalf of the family, described the late actor as a cherished husband, father, brother, uncle and friend.
It read, “A remarkable life, a beautiful legacy, a star that will never stop shining. Though our beloved Chief Francis Duru has taken his final bow, his memories will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.”
The family also expressed gratitude to those who had supported them since his death, acknowledging the prayers, calls, messages and other gestures of kindness received during their period of mourning.
“The kindness, love, prayers, calls, messages and support extended to our family throughout this difficult time have been a great source of strength. We are sincerely grateful to everyone who has stood with us,” the statement added.
Duru died on October 23 at the age of 57 following a brief illness.
Born in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, he began his acting career in 1989 with the film Missing Mark.
He rose to prominence in 1995 after playing Ahanna in Amaka Igwe’s film Rattlesnake, one of the notable productions of Nollywood’s early years.
Throughout his career, Duru featured in several films, including Blood Money, Nnenda, Stigma, Home in Exile and Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons.
Beyond acting, he served as interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria in 2010. He also won the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) award at the 2020 Best of Nollywood Awards for his performance in Mboputa.
Kehinde Ayanboade
Kehinde Ayanboade is the Managing Editor and Publisher of Naija Metro News, with over eight years of experience covering Nigerian politics, crime, legislative proceedings and metropolitan affairs.
