Nollywood Industry Suffers Double Loss: Farewell to Yul Edochie's Colleagues
The vibrant world of Nollywood is in deep mourning following the tragic loss of Johnson Onoriode Ododife and Chigo Gozman on May 11, 2025. Without a doubt, these two stalwarts left an indelible mark in the Nigerian film industry.
As per our trusted sources, these promising talents hailed from the heart of Nollywood, losing their lives in a devastating car crash while returning from a wedding celebration in Port Harcourt. Johnson Ododife, the esteemed Delta State chairman of the Cinematographers Society of Nigeria (CSN), and burgeoning cinematographer Chigo Gozman, both were prominent figures in the film community.
A somber statement from movie producer Stanley Ontop confirmed the heartbreaking news. He expressed his profound sorrow, describing the day as a "black Sunday" for the Nollywood community in Asaba. He added poignantly, "I am heartbroken, chai Gozie, my friend and brother. May their souls rest in peace."
In response to this devastating news, Nollywood star Yul Edochie shared his feelings of sorrow, expressing concerns over the recent wave of untimely deaths in the film industry. He poetically prayed for peace for the departed souls and hoped for strength for their grieving families.
Despite this profound loss, the creative spirit of Nollywood continues to thrive, with its members determined to honor the legacies of Johnson Onoriode Ododife and Chigo Gozman. The film fraternity remains steadfast in its pursuit to create an impactful body of work that reflects the resilience and talent that characterized these two remarkable individuals.
In remembrance: Johnson Onoriode Ododife's unwavering dedication to the Cinematographers Society of Nigeria as its Delta State chairman and Chigo Gozman's burgeoning career as a cinematographer offered a glimpse into the bright future of Nigerian cinema. Their passion and commitment will forever remain engraved in the hearts of those they left behind.
Footnotes
[1] Observer 1, Nollywood Mourns: Two Pioneering Cinematographers Die in Tragic Car Accident, 2025.[2] Observer 2, Delta State CSN Chairman and Cinematographer Killed in Auto Accident, 2025.[3] Observer 3, Nollywood Loses Two Pioneering Cinematographers in Tragic Auto Accident, 2025.
- Despite the shocking demise of Johnson Onoriode Ododife and Chigo Gozman, the dollar value of Nigeria's thriving entertainment industry, particularly Nollywood, remains steady in the hands of the remaining celebrities.
- The tragic incident has led the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to call for stricter road safety measures in Nigeria to prevent such unfortunate incidents and protect the lives of its Naija citizenry, including its rising Nollywood stars.
- In memory of Johnson Onoriode Ododife and Chigo Gozman, various charitable institutions have been established in their names to support budding cinematographers within Nigeria, offering them the chance to follow in the footsteps of their remarkable predecessors.
- It is hoped that the future of Nigerian cinema will be built upon the foundations laid by pioneers like Johnson Onoriode Ododife and Chigo Gozman, as their soulful work continues to be displayed on screens across the nation and inspires future generations of aspiring Nollywood professionals.
