Chief Francis Duru was a rare gem, a friend of Akweya and a dear friend of the Managing Director of AkweyaTV, Odoh Diego Okenyodo. His interest in the Akweya people went beyond ordinary friendship. He saw the beauty of our culture and recognised the need to preserve and promote it for future generations.
When he came across “Okoda,” the remarkable poem written by Odoh Diego Okenyodo, which captures the Akweya Alugbo culture, he was fascinated. The poem stirred something in him and immediately inspired a desire to develop a movie script that would portray this tradition and other aspects of Akweya cultural heritage.
He was passionate about telling the Akweya story through film. He saw the possibilities of bringing our traditions, values and way of life to life on screen, thereby giving a wider audience an opportunity to appreciate the richness of Akweya culture.
Sadly, death has interrupted that dream. Yet, the story he desired to tell must not die with him. Let Akweya storytellers, filmmakers and movie stars take up the challenge of telling our stories in his memory. Let them bring to life the traditions that fascinated him and fulfil, in their own way, the vision he carried in his heart. In doing so, they will honour not only his memory but also his love for our cultural heritage.
My personal encounter with Chief Francis Duru remains a cherished memory. In 2025, we participated together in a programme at Nasarawa State University. A colleague of mine, who admired the legendary actor, wanted to take a photograph with him but could not summon the courage to make the request.
When I approached him on her behalf, he gladly obliged. But his kindness did not end there. He also invited me to join them in the photograph. We all posed together, and the moment was captured for posterity.
- Awele Ilusanmi Foundation Offers ₦1.5m To Encourage Reading
- Remembering Francis Duru and His Love for Akweya
- DEVELOPMENT INSIGHTS MORNING BRIEF, 3 NOVEMBER 2026
- DEVELOPMENT INSIGHTS MORNING BRIEF, 2 NOVEMBER 2026
- Theory To Practice: My Internship Story At Isu Media/Akweya TV
It was a simple gesture, perhaps an ordinary moment in his day, but it revealed something profound about his personality. Despite his fame and stature in the Nigerian film industry, he was approachable, humble and kind-hearted. He made people feel comfortable in his presence and gave freely of his warmth.
That brief encounter has remained with me as a reminder that greatness is not measured only by the roles one plays on screen or the recognition one receives, but also by the kindness one extends to others.
Chief Francis Duru was more than a legendary actor to us. He was a friend who appreciated our culture, a man who saw value in our stories, and a creative spirit who wanted to help preserve them for posterity.
As we mourn his passing, we are reminded that some people leave behind more than memories; they leave behind dreams waiting to be fulfilled. His dream of telling the Akweya story through film is one such legacy.
May the Akweya people remember him with gratitude. May those who tell our stories draw inspiration from his enthusiasm. And may his vision find expression through the generations of storytellers and filmmakers who will continue to celebrate our heritage.
Rest in peace, Chief Francis Duru.
You may be gone, but your kindness, your friendship and your desire to tell the Akweya story will not be forgotten.
Rev Idajor Ajah,
Programme Manager, Akweyatv.
