Nollywood Actress Atinuke Kareem Dies After Battle With Breast Cancer

The Yoruba movie industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of Nollywood actress Atinuke Remilekun Kareem, who died after a prolonged battle with breast cancer.

The Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria, Ogun State Chapter, announced her death on Tuesday.

The sad news was made public by Kareem’s colleague and the Executive Governor of TAMPAN Ogun State, Owolabi Ajasa, through an official statement shared on his Instagram page.

The announcement was accompanied by a video showing the late actress appealing for prayers and financial assistance while undergoing treatment for breast cancer. In the emotional video, Kareem spoke about the enormous financial burden her illness had placed on her family and the efforts already made by her professional association to support her.

“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. The association I belong to, TAMPAN, has tried too, but it’s not enough,” Kareem said in the video.

In the statement signed by the Ogun State TAMPAN Public Relations Officer, Femi Solaja, on behalf of Ajasa, the association expressed gratitude to colleagues, fans and other well-wishers who stood by the actress throughout her illness.

“We sincerely appreciate everyone who contributed financially, offered prayers, encouragement, and support towards the treatment of our dear colleague, Atinuke Remilekun Kareem,” the statement read.

The association said the support and sacrifices made by members of the public brought comfort to Kareem and her family during one of the most difficult periods of her life.

“Your kindness and sacrifice during her difficult moment meant so much to her family and all of us. We are deeply grateful.”

However, despite the support, medical efforts and prayers offered on her behalf, the actress eventually lost her battle with cancer.

Expressing deep sorrow over the loss, the association described her death as a painful reality that had to be accepted as the will of God.

“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. Rest in peace, Atinuke Remilekun Kareem,” the statement concluded.

Kareem’s death has added to the growing grief within the Yoruba film industry, coming barely more than a week after the industry mourned the passing of veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, who also died after battling stage-four cancer.