Nollywood actor Steven Echendu dies hours after Francis Duru's passing

The Nollywood community is reeling after news emerged of the death of actor Steven Echendu, coming just hours after the passing of fellow industry figure Francis Duru on Friday, October, 23, 2026. The news of Echendu's death was shared via a heartfelt Facebook post by a colleague and fellow Nollywood figure, Wisdom Nwankwo, who expressed deep anguish at learning of two losses within the same week. The post also mourned the death of Austinfair Nwaulu, described as a media guru closely involved in Nollywood activities, who reportedly passed on a Saturday and was buried the following Tuesday. Echendu, identified in the tribute as a key contributor to OJs Production, was remembered warmly as one of the industry's dedicated hands during Nollywood's formative years. His colleague wrote of him as "one of the gladiators" of that era, underlining the role he played behind the scenes in shaping what the industry has become. What made the tribute particularly striking was the timeline. Both Nwaulu and Echendu died within five days of each other, a fact the post's author found deeply distressing. The colleague urged social media users to check in on friends who go quiet online, noting that the losses had made them reflect on how easily people can disappear from timelines without anyone noticing. "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," The message closed with a reminder that life is fleeting, urging people to live fully and intentionally, describing one's time on earth as "a temporary assignment." Echendu's death came shortly after news broke of Francis Duru's passing, making October 23 a particularly dark day for Nigerian entertainment. The back-to-back losses have prompted an outpouring of grief across social media.Source: legit.ng
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