Family announces burial arrangements for Nigerian actor Steve Echendu

The family of late actor Steve Echendu has announced his burial arrangements.

His death was announced hours after veteran actor Francis Duru’s passing sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry.

In a statement posted on actress Clarion Chukwura’s Instagram page on Tuesday and signed by his son, Kamsiyochukwu Echendu, the family announced a three-day funeral programme for the 52-year-old actor.

The family said a wake-keep ceremony will take place on 27 November, ahead of his burial on 28 November in his hometown of Umuokwara Umuohiri, Isiala Mbano, Imo State.

A thanksgiving and outing service will follow on 29 November, bringing the funeral activities to an end.

“Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure; you will always be loved and deeply missed”, said the family.

According to the family, the actor leaves behind his wife, children and brothers.

Mourning his death, Chukwura recalled his contributions to Nollywood during its formative years, when the industry was still finding its feet.

She described his death as a painful loss, saying his exit was hard to bear.

“This is hard. Indeed, a painful exit. A major pillar in the early days of Nollywood, the most professional, hardworking and respectful production manager I ever worked with in the foundational years of Nollywood. Rest in Peace, Steve”, she noted.

Echendu wore several hats in the industry, working as an actor, producer and director. His film credits include “Knockout Blessing”, “Fury”, “Infant at Heart”, among others.

As of press time, his family had not disclosed the cause of his death.

Meanwhile, colleagues paid tributes to his contributions to Nollywood during the industry’s formative years, as the home-video sector expanded.