Francis Duru: Man Who Was at Hospital With Late Actor Days before His Death Shares What He Told Him

• Elder Henry Shield visited Francis Duru twice at the National Hospital after being contacted by the actor's wife
• Shield shared what he said to Duru during those bedside visits in a moving tribute posted on Facebook
• The tribute drew an outpouring of condolences from friends and followers across social media

The passing of veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru on 22 October 2026 has continued to stir deep emotions online, with a close friend now sharing details of his final visits to the actor's hospital bedside.

Elder Henry Shield took to Facebook on 23 October 2026 to recount how he had been at Duru's side on two separate occasions at the National Hospital, after the actor's wife reached out to him personally about the seriousness of his condition. In his tribute, Shield described urging the filmmaker to hold on.

"Encouraged you to stay strong and pull through for us. Apparently, God had other plans," he wrote, addressing the late actor directly.

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Shield, who referred to Duru warmly as his "dear elder brother," closed his post with a farewell phrase in Igbo: "Ko di ngbe anyi ga afu ozo," which translates to "Till we meet again."

Duru, a celebrated actor, director, and filmmaker whose work spanned several decades in the Nigerian film industry, died at the age of 57 following a brief illness.

His family broke the news on Friday morning, 23 October 2026, via an announcement on his verified Instagram account.

The loss reverberated far beyond the entertainment world.

President Bola Tinubu was among those who publicly mourned Duru's passing, and colleagues from across Nigeria's creative industry described his death as a profound blow to Nigerian cinema.

The Facebook post below contains Elder Henry Shield’s tribute to the late actor Francis Duru.

Reactions to Nigerian actor Francis Duru's death

Shield's tribute quickly attracted an outpouring of grief and support.

Eli Dangana wrote:

"May God comfort you, sir."

Hannatu Yohanna added:

"May the LORD comfort you and the entire family. Rest in peace, legend 🙏🏽."

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Samuel Emeka offered:

"My heartfelt condolences to the family." Daniel Aniefiok also paid his respects, writing: "Rest in peace, legend."

Source: YEN.com.gh