By Sam Eyoboka

The Lagos Archdiocesan Chapter of the Catholic Artistes and Entertainers Association of Nigeria, CAEAN, has joined the growing list of individuals and groups paying glowing tribute to the late founder of  the now rested soap opera, New Masquerade, Mr. James Iroha OON, alias Giringori who passed on Tuesday after a protracted illness.

In a release signed by the Chaplain of the Association, Very Rev. Msgr Gabriel Osu and its President, Mr. Livinus Nnochiri, the group expressed sadness at the sudden death of the veteran artiste who had contributed immensely to the growth of the entertainment industry in Nigeria.

“It is with great sadness and shock that we received the news of the death of Mr. Iroha. He is no doubt an all-round artiste and a beacon for the flourishing film industry in Nigeria otherwise known as Nollywood.

“We have lost a gem. We pray the good Lord will grant the deceased eternal rest and also give his immediate family and indeed the entire Nollywood the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss,” the statement added.

While expressing sadness that the celebrated humour merchant died of neglect, having been sick for many years with little or no support from government or well meaning Nigerians, the group called for a comprehensive welfare scheme/insurance policy for Nigerian artiste and entertainers.

“In recent times, many artistes have died as a result of neglect; and they are people that helped bring smiles into our lives. It is only when they die that the government spend fortunes to bury them. Look at David Offor (Clarus), he has been blind for years and no one cares about his welfare.

“The time has come for the government and all stakeholders in the industry to brain storm on ways of making sure that our artistes are well treated, even at their retirement,” the group recommended.