The Yoruba movie industry has been thrown into grief once again following the death of actress Atinuke Remilekun Kareem after a long battle with breast cancer.
Her passing was formally announced on Tuesday by the Ogun State chapter of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) through its Executive Governor, Owolabi Ajasa.
Kareem’s tragic demise comes barely two weeks after the industry lost veteran Nollywood star Taiwo Hassan, widely known as Ogogo, who passed away following a battle with stage-four cancer.
Prior to her passing, Kareem had released an emotional public video appealing for financial support to cover her escalating medical bills, noting the severe financial strain the illness had placed on her family and asking well-wishers to support her for the sake of her two young children.
"I'm a breast cancer patient. It has been going on for a while. My family has spent a lot of money; I've come to seek help.
"Don't allow me to die this way; I have two young children. Nigerians, please help me with any amount you can," Kareem pleaded in the video.
In an official statement signed by TAMPAN Ogun State Public Relations Officer Femi Solaja, the association expressed deep appreciation to everyone who contributed financially and spiritually toward Kareem's treatment, while lamenting that she ultimately succumbed to the illness despite collective efforts.
"Sadly, despite all our efforts and prayers, Atinuke has passed on and answered the final call. We cannot question the Almighty God. We can only submit to His will and pray that He grants her eternal rest and gives her family, colleagues, and loved ones the strength to bear this painful loss," the association stated.
The Yoruba film sector has experienced a harrowing period of grief, with Kareem's passing following closely on the heels of veteran actor Taiwo Hassan "Ogogo," whose death generated nationwide tributes.
Kareem's public plea underscores the ongoing welfare and healthcare funding challenges faced by Nigerian actors, where individual performers frequently rely on public crowdsourcing and association welfare funds during major health crises.
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