Abuja: The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has expressed grief over the death of veteran Nollywood actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as ‘Ogogo’. Musawa, in a statement by her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Nneka Anibeze, on Monday in Abuja, described the late Hassan as a towering figure in the Nigerian film industry.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the late actor’s discipline, talent, and dedication helped to shape Nollywood and inspire generations of actors, directors, and producers. ‘Ogogo was not just a star on our screens. He was a custodian of our culture, a proud voice of Yoruba storytelling, and a man who dedicated his life to building the Nigerian creative industry,’ she said.
Musawa noted that Hassan’s works celebrated Nigerian heritage and projected the richness of Yoruba traditions to audiences in Nigeria and beyond. ‘The industry has lost a giant, but his legacy will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched and the fi
lms he left behind,’ the minister said.
She extended condolences to Hassan’s family, colleagues in Nollywood, fans, and the people of Ogun State. The minister also prayed for the family and the film industry to have the strength to bear the loss and for the repose of his soul.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Hassan reportedly died on Sunday, following his battle with cancer. A video shared on social media captured his daughter, Kira Taiwo, in tears as she announced her father’s death, repeatedly saying, ‘My daddy is dead.’
The sad event came days after Hassan’s daughters, Kira and Lima Taiwo, disclosed on Instagram that he was battling Stage 4 cancer and sought medical assistance for his treatment. In an Instagram Live session, Kira, in tears, said the family discovered the severity of his condition about three weeks earlier, and appealed to medical professionals and others with possible treatment options to assist the family.