Nollywood actress Atinuke Remilekun Kareem has died after battling breast cancer, barely weeks after she publicly appealed to Nigerians for financial assistance to continue her treatment.
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, Owolabi Ajasa.
Ajasa shared a statement on his Instagram page alongside a video in which the actress appealed for support while undergoing treatment for the disease.
In the video, Kareem disclosed that her family had spent heavily on her treatment but could no longer meet the financial demands of her medical care.
She said, “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.”
The actress, who revealed that she had two young children, made an emotional appeal for financial assistance, saying, “Don’t allow me to die this way; I have two young children. Nigerians, please help me with any amount you can use to help.”
Despite efforts by her family, colleagues and other well-wishers to raise funds for her treatment, Kareem eventually succumbed to the illness.
In a statement signed by the association’s Public Relations Officer, Femi Solaja, on behalf of Ajasa, TAMPAN Ogun expressed appreciation to those who supported the actress during her illness.
The association said, “We sincerely appreciate everyone who contributed financially, offered prayers, encouragement, and support towards the treatment of our dear colleague, Atinuke Remilekun Kareem.
“Your kindness and sacrifice during her difficult moment meant so much to her family and all of us. We are deeply grateful.”
TAMPAN described Kareem’s death as a painful loss to the association, saying her death occurred despite the collective efforts and prayers for her recovery.
“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 statement added.
The association prayed for the repose of Kareem’s soul and comfort for her family, colleagues and loved ones.
Her death comes barely over a week after the Yoruba film industry mourned veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, who also died after battling stage-four cancer.
Kareem’s death has further deepened the grief in the Yoruba movie industry, coming at a time when colleagues and fans are still mourning the loss of one of its veteran stars.
