The Nigerian film industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of Nollywood actress Atinuke Remilekun Kareem after a prolonged battle with breast cancer.
Kareem’s death was announced on Tuesday by her colleague and Executive Governor of the Ogun State chapter of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Owolabi Ajasa.
The announcement was made through a statement signed by the association’s Public Relations Officer, Femi Solaja, and shared on Ajasa’s Instagram page.
The actress had previously appealed publicly for financial assistance to continue her treatment, revealing that her family had spent a substantial amount of money on her medical care.
In a video accompanying the announcement of her death, Kareem disclosed that she had been battling breast cancer for some time and appealed to Nigerians to support her treatment.
She also revealed that she had two young children and pleaded for assistance as her family struggled to meet the cost of her treatment.
According to the TAMPAN Ogun leadership, colleagues, fans and other well-wishers made financial contributions and offered prayers and emotional support to Kareem throughout her illness.
The association expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed towards her treatment, saying their assistance had provided important support to the actress, her family and her colleagues during the difficult period.
However, despite the efforts made to secure her recovery, the actress eventually died from the illness.
“Sadly, despite all our efforts and prayers, Atinuke has passed on and answered the final call,” the association said.
TAMPAN described her death as a painful and irreparable loss, urging members, relatives and her fans to accept the development as the will of God.
The association prayed for the repose of Kareem’s soul and for strength for her children, family members, colleagues and other loved ones to cope with the loss.
Kareem’s death adds to a difficult period for the Yoruba movie industry, coming shortly after the death of veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, who reportedly died after battling stage-four cancer.
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