Nollywood actress Empress Njamah has demonstrated extraordinary compassion with a touching gesture toward Jennifer Awele, widow of beloved actor Junior Pope, on the first anniversary of his tragic passing. In a moving video shared on social media Thursday, Njamah organized a complete makeover for Awele and presented her with a magnificent portrait of her late husband, creating a moment of healing that has deeply resonated with fans across Nigeria.
The emotional video captures Awele’s surprise and gratitude as she receives the thoughtful gifts during what would otherwise be an exceedingly difficult day of remembrance. Njamah’s initiative comes exactly one year after Junior Pope’s shocking death, which devastated Nigeria’s entertainment industry and left his young family facing an uncertain future.
“It’s okay not to be okay, but it’s okay to start feeling better,” Njamah wrote in her heartfelt caption accompanying the video. Your husband, Jnr Pope, may be gone, but his legacy lives on through you and your children. Keep shining your light and making him proud. You’ve survived the darkest days, and now it’s time to find the light again.”
The video reveals Njamah’s meticulous planning of the surprise, working with professional stylists to provide Awele with a complete transformation experience. The centerpiece of the gifts—an imposing framed portrait of Junior Pope—appears designed to serve both as remembrance and inspiration for the family’s journey forward.
Njamah’s gesture demonstrates the tight-knit nature of Nigeria’s film community, where actors often form deeply personal bonds beyond their professional relationships. This display of solidarity has been widely praised for addressing the often-overlooked aftermath of tragedy, when public attention has moved on but family members continue to navigate profound grief.
“Life may have taken a different turn, but it doesn’t mean it’s not beautiful,” Njamah continued in her message to Awele. Keep exploring, growing and finding joy in the little things. Love you always, Jennifer, aka wifey.”
Junior Pope, born Pope Obumneme Odonwodo, was a fixture in Nigeria’s immensely popular film industry, having appeared in dozens of productions that made him a household name across the country. His unexpected death last year triggered an outpouring of national grief, with tributes flowing from fellow actors, directors, producers, and countless fans who had followed his career.
The video has sparked an overwhelmingly positive response across social media platforms, with celebrities and fans alike commending Njamah for her thoughtfulness during a period when public attention typically wanes while grief remains.
Comedian Chigurl commented, “Empeee you are the best. Your type is rare,” while former Big Brother Naija contestant Queen Mercy Atang wrote, “This is so thoughtful. God bless you for putting a smile on her face. Impressive work mama.”
Popular comedian and actress Lepacious Bose added her voice to the chorus of appreciation: “Oh Empress, how thoughtful of you. May God remember you for good always.”
The surprise makeover appears strategically timed to help transform what would be a day of sorrow into one that also celebrates resilience and the possibility of healing. Mental health professionals often note the importance of such gestures in the grieving process, particularly around significant anniversaries that can reawaken acute feelings of loss.
What makes Empress Njamah’s gesture so powerful is its acknowledgment that moving forward doesn’t mean forgetting,” explains Dr. Folashade Akinola, a Lagos-based psychologist specializing in grief counseling. By combining the beautiful portrait—which honors memory—with the makeover—which symbolizes renewal—she’s created a balanced approach to remembrance that’s psychologically insightful.
Empress Njamah’s action also addresses the particular challenges faced by widows in Nigerian society, where cultural expectations around mourning can sometimes inhibit healing. By publicly supporting Awele’s journey toward finding joy again, Njamah has used her platform to advocate for a more compassionate understanding of grief.
“You got this, and I’m always here to support you,” Njamah promised in her message, indicating that her support extends beyond this single gesture.
The video appears to capture just one element of ongoing assistance that Njamah has provided to Junior Pope’s family since his passing. Sources close to both actresses suggest that Njamah has been a consistent presence in the lives of Awele and her children throughout the past year, offering emotional support along with practical help navigating life after such a profound loss.
Comments from ordinary Nigerians on social media highlight how deeply this act of kindness has resonated. One user, Nzira_meekness, wrote, “They are not like you, Empress. You’re rare. We need people like you in this world. May God show up for you always.”
Another commenter observed, “Everybody needs a friend like Empress. She is amazing,” capturing the sentiment of many who viewed the touching interaction between the two women.
The film industry in Nigeria, colloquially known as Nollywood, ranks among the world’s most prolific cinema communities, producing thousands of films annually and employing countless actors, directors, producers, and crew members. This productivity has fostered close relationships among industry participants, who often describe themselves as family.
Njamah’s gesture exemplifies this familial aspect of Nollywood, demonstrating how these professional relationships extend far beyond film sets and premiere events to encompass life’s most challenging moments.
As Junior Pope’s family continues navigating life without him, Empress Njamah’s compassionate intervention serves as a powerful reminder of community’s role in healing—and how simple acts of kindness can illuminate even the darkest paths forward.
