Veteran Nigerian actor, producer and director Steve Echendu has reportedly died, according to a social media post by his colleague, Wisdom Nwankwo.
Echendu was said to have died after battling an undisclosed illness. His death comes shortly after the passing of veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru was announced.
Naija News reports that Nwankwo broke the news in a Facebook post in which he expressed grief over the loss of two friends and figures in the Nigerian film industry within five days.
In the post, Nwankwo also mourned media personality Austinfair Nwaulu, who reportedly died on Saturday and was buried on Tuesday.
He wrote: “I don’t take chills in doing this, but I am really touched and pained. Please, sometimes, if you don’t see people on your timeline for a month or even less, and they are regular in your list, please check on them.
“It’s quite a sad note on my side to learn of the passing of two of my friends here and in Nollywood; we were very active in making Nollywood what it is today.
“Austinfair Nwaulu was one of the media gurus who used to participate in all our activities in Nollywood. Very sad to hear he passed on Saturday and was laid on Tuesday.
“Oh, Steven Real Stephen Echendu, it’s so painful to also learn of your passing yesterday; you were also one of the gladiators then in Nollywood Ojs production main man. Just a span of 5 days, oh Lord, let your will always prevail.
“I am pained, my comrades; tomorrow is not promised to any mortal. Live today as your last day… Your toiling is just a temporary assignment here on earth. Oh Lord, grant them your light on their way to the great beyond. Peace profound.”
Echendu was known for his contributions to Nollywood as an actor, filmmaker and producer. Some of the films associated with him include Fury (2019), Knockout Blessing (2018) and Infant at Heart (2024).
His reported death has added to the recent wave of mourning within the Nigerian entertainment industry following the announcement of Francis Duru’s passing.
As tributes continue to emerge, colleagues and fans are remembering the contributions of the late filmmaker and other industry figures to the growth of Nollywood.
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