By Iroyin Yoruba Television
IMO STATE, NIGERIA — OCTOBER 28, 2026
The family of Nigerian actor, producer and filmmaker Steve Odinaka Echendu has announced a three-day funeral programme for the late Nollywood figure, whose death has prompted tributes from colleagues who worked with him during the formative years of Nigeria’s film industry.
The funeral programme, released by his son, Kamsiyochukwu Echendu, schedules a wake-keep for November 27, the main burial ceremony for November 28, and a thanksgiving and outing service for November 29, 2026.
The burial will take place in the family’s hometown of Umuokwara Umuohiri, in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
The announcement provides the family’s first public schedule for the final rites and gives friends, relatives, colleagues and admirers an opportunity to plan their attendance.
FAMILY CONFIRMS THREE-DAY FUNERAL PROGRAMME
According to the family’s announcement, activities will begin with the wake-keep on Friday, November 27. The main ceremony, including a lying-in-state and burial, is scheduled for Saturday, November 28, in the deceased’s hometown.
The programme will conclude on Sunday, November 29, with a thanksgiving and outing service.
The family expressed its affection for the late actor in the funeral notice, describing his life as a blessing and his memory as a treasure. The statement also indicated that he is survived by his wife, children and brothers.
The announcement was signed by his son, Kamsiyochukwu Echendu, and was shared publicly through actress Clarion Chukwura’s social media account.
The family has not publicly disclosed the cause of death. Reports that he had been dealing with an illness have not been accompanied by a detailed statement from the family explaining the circumstances.
CLARION CHUKWURA PAYS TRIBUTE
Veteran actress Clarion Chukwura was among those who paid tribute to Echendu following news of his death.
She remembered him as a highly professional, hardworking and respectful production manager who made important contributions during the early development of Nollywood.
Her tribute highlighted the role played by production professionals behind the camera, whose work helps turn scripts into finished films and coordinate the people, equipment and logistics required during production.
Although actors often receive the greatest public attention, production managers and other technical professionals are essential to organising film sets, coordinating schedules and helping productions operate effectively.
Chukwura’s comments reflected the professional respect Echendu had earned among colleagues who worked with him during the period when Nigeria’s home-video industry was expanding.
A CAREER ACROSS ACTING AND FILM PRODUCTION
Echendu worked in several capacities within the Nigerian film industry, including acting, producing and directing. His reported screen credits include Knockout Blessing (2018), Fury (2019) and Infant at Heart (2024).
His career extended beyond appearing in front of the camera. Colleagues also remembered his work in production management, a role that requires coordination, planning and close attention to the practical demands of filmmaking.
During Nollywood’s early growth, production teams worked through changing distribution arrangements and evolving technical practices as the industry moved from home-video releases towards wider cinema and streaming distribution.
Professionals who remained active through these changes contributed to the continuity of the industry, helping productions move from planning and filming to completed works available to audiences.
Tributes following Echendu’s death have focused particularly on his contribution to this earlier period of Nigerian filmmaking and his reputation among those who worked alongside him.
FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS AND FAMILY PRIVACY
The announcement confirms the dates and location of the funeral activities, but it does not provide a full public itinerary, detailed venue directions or additional information about private family arrangements.
Those intending to attend should seek any further instructions directly from the family or authorised representatives rather than relying on unverified posts circulating online.
The family has also not provided further public details about the cause of death. Until an authorised statement is released, the circumstances should not be treated as established fact.
A LOSS FOR NOLLYWOOD’S OLDER GENERATION
Echendu’s death has come during a period of mourning for the Nigerian film industry, with colleagues also paying tribute to veteran actor Francis Duru, whose death was announced in October.
The losses have renewed attention to the performers and production professionals who helped establish the industry’s foundations and whose work shaped films watched by generations of Nigerians.
For Echendu’s family, the November funeral programme will provide an opportunity to honour his life and bring relatives, friends and colleagues together in his hometown.
For his colleagues, the tributes underline the importance of recognising the work of production professionals as well as the performers who appear on screen.
The immediate confirmed development is the release of the funeral schedule. Further information about the ceremonies or the circumstances of his death should be reported only when confirmed by the family or another reliable source.