President Bola Tinubu has expressed condolences to the family, colleagues and fans of veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru, who died at the age of 57 following a brief illness.

The President described his death as a painful loss to the Nigerian film industry and the country’s creative community in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Tinubu acknowledged Duru’s contributions to the growth of Nollywood, particularly his role in shaping the industry’s artistic identity, nurturing emerging talent and promoting Nigerian culture and stories to audiences at home and abroad.

He said the actor’s work would remain part of the country’s cultural heritage.

The President prayed for the peaceful repose of Duru’s soul and asked God to comfort his family, friends, colleagues and admirers.

He also reaffirmed his administration’s recognition of the arts and entertainment industry’s contributions to national development, cultural preservation and Nigeria’s international image.