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The Nigerian film industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of Nollywood actress Atinuke Kareem after a prolonged battle with breast cancer.
Her death was announced on Tuesday by the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Ogun State Chapter.
The announcement was made by the association's Ogun State Governor, Owolabi Ajasa, through a statement shared on Instagram, accompanied by a video in which the late actress appealed to Nigerians for financial assistance and prayers during her illness.
In the emotional video, Kareem revealed that her family had exhausted their resources on medical treatment and pleaded for help to enable her continue fighting the disease.
She said she feared leaving behind her two young children and appealed to Nigerians to support her with whatever they could afford.
In a statement signed by the association's Public Relations Officer, Femi Solaja, TAMPAN expressed appreciation to colleagues, fans and well-wishers who contributed financially and offered prayers throughout the actress's treatment.
The association described the support as invaluable, noting that every contribution brought hope to the late actress and her family during her difficult battle.
TAMPAN, however, said that despite the collective efforts and prayers, Kareem eventually succumbed to the illness.
The association described her death as a painful and irreplaceable loss, praying for God to grant her eternal rest and comfort her family, friends and colleagues.
Kareem's death comes barely a week after the Yoruba movie industry lost veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, who reportedly died after battling stage-four cancer.
