Nollywood has been thrown into mourning once again as the family of late veteran actress Nkechi Nweje announces that her burial will take place on Friday, May 23, 2025, in her hometown in Anambra State. The revered actress passed away on March 21, 2025, at the age of 57, after battling an undisclosed illness.
A statement released by her grieving husband confirmed that funeral arrangements are now underway, with plans to lay her to rest in her ancestral home surrounded by family, friends, and fans from across the country. The news has reopened a flood of tributes from colleagues in the entertainment industry who described her as “graceful, professional, and unforgettable.”
Known for her commanding presence on screen and her nurturing roles in countless Nollywood classics, Nkechi Nweje was widely admired for her versatility and depth as an actress. From maternal roles to political dramas and religious-themed blockbusters, her filmography was both rich and reflective of Nigeria’s cultural evolution through cinema.
Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) confirmed it would lead a delegation to honor the actress at her burial, and has also declared a day of remembrance across all state chapters. AGN President Emeka Rollas described her death as “a painful loss to the creative family and an irreplaceable void in our industry.”
Her death, which came as a shock to fans and peers alike, has reignited conversations about the need for better healthcare access and support systems for aging actors in Nigeria. Many of her peers have called for a structured welfare scheme to cater to veteran entertainers.
Close friends say Nkechi Nweje was not only a legend on screen but also a strong voice behind the scenes—mentoring rising actors and championing causes for women in film. Her legacy, they say, is one that will continue to inspire generations in the Nigerian creative space.
As preparations intensify for her final journey, Nollywood fans are expected to troop out in large numbers to celebrate her life and pay their last respects to a woman whose presence shaped decades of storytelling on screen.
